Zysean Owten, a vibrant 10-year-old fifth-grade student at Starms Discovery Learning Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, tragically lost his life in an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025.
The incident occurred near Vel R. Phillips Avenue and West Clarke Street, where he presumably shot himself in the face while handling a friend’s firearm, prompting an immediate emergency response that transported him to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, Zysean succumbed to his injuries, leaving the Milwaukee community in profound shock over the preventable loss of such a promising young life.
Zysean was celebrated for his vivacious personality, confidence, and intelligence, qualities that allowed him to illuminate any space with boundless energy, laughter, and an infectious joy that uplifted everyone in his presence. As a charismatic and outgoing child with a natural social instinct, he formed deep connections effortlessly, embodying a spirit full of dreams and potential that inspired those around him.
In his educational journey at Starms Discovery Learning Center, part of the Milwaukee Public Schools district, Zysean thrived as a fifth grader, channeling his creativity and talent into aspirations of becoming a rapper. He had already recorded several songs, showcasing a genuine aptitude for rhymes that impressed his loved ones, who envisioned a bright future in music for him given his outgoing charisma.
The tragic accident unfolded in a residential area on Milwaukee’s north side, leading authorities to arrest a 36-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman on tentative charges of child neglect resulting in death, with the case referred to the district attorney’s office for review. Investigators focused on how the firearm became accessible, highlighting broader concerns about safe storage in homes with children.
Though specific details on funeral arrangements or a celebration of life remain in planning stages by his family, the Milwaukee area unites in grief, reflecting on the fragility of youth and the need for vigilance in preventing accidental tragedies. The incident’s timing, just before a community vigil for violence victims, added a poignant layer to collective mourning in the city. Zysean’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding young lives amid everyday risks.
Zysean Owten lived a life well lived, marked by vivacity, creativity, and an extraordinary ability to spread happiness through his presence, dreams of rap stardom, and joyful interactions in Milwaukee. His legacy endures in the music he created, the laughter he inspired, and the profound love he shared with family and friends. In this time of remembrance, his bright spirit continues to motivate appreciation for the boundless potential in every child and the cherished moments that define young lives.
