Mystery as Jacob Nitkiewicz, newlywed dad is accidentally shot dead at Mississippi water park in incident described as ‘accident’. Victim leaves behind behind a wife, Mackenzi, and their daughter Emersyn Grace.
A newlywed father was fatally shot while fishing at a local Mississippi water park in Wiggins what officials called a ‘tragic accident.’
Jacob Nitkiewicz, 31, was found dead after being shot in the head at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday at Flint Creek Water Park, a recreational state park featuring a 650-acre lake for fishing, boating and swimming, located about 120 miles south of Jackson.
Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry told the Sun Herald he believes the incident was a ‘tragic accident,’ though an autopsy is pending.
Mississippi water park mystery accident
The Wiggins Police Department said the shooting was an ‘isolated incident’ and there was no threat to the public.
Police declined to say whether they had identified a shooter and how the ‘accident’ came to happen.
Nitkiewicz, a father of one, had been married to his girlfriend of 13 years, Mackenzi, for only four months, according to his online obituary.
The couple had just returned from their honeymoon in Colorado Springs months before his death.
In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe has been launched to support his wife and their young daughter, Emersyn.
‘Jacob was an incredible husband and a proud, loving father. He was the heart of their home, and his love for his family was constant and unwavering,’ the page’s organizer wrote.
‘Now, Mackenzi and their sweet daughter, Emersyn Grace, are facing the difficult road ahead without him.’
Outdoor tragedy as victim is remembered
Friends and family remembered Nitkiewicz for his ‘strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family.’
‘He took immense pride in his role as a husband and father, pouring his heart into providing, supporting, and celebrating those he loved,’ his obituary said.
‘Jacob recognized every milestone in Emersyn’s life with enthusiasm, from her dance and piano recitals to her strong grades and cheerleading tournament wins.’
Nitkiewicz had recently been promoted to manager at Delta Tire World after four years with the company — a milestone his obituary described as ‘a testament to his dedication, leadership, and the pride he took in his work.’
The newlywed dad was a devoted outdoorsman who loved traveling, fishing, camping and hiking mountain trails according to his obit.
Authorities to date have not announced an arrest as they continue to investigate.
