Eric and Ashley Rosenbrock were seen known by neighbors as a friendly couple, who were good parents to their young children.
But now, their community is in mourning after Ashley tragically lost her life in a gun accident.
According to Ashley’s obituary, she and her husband were high school sweethearts and tied the knot in 2007. They started to grow their family a short time later.
The two welcomed a daughter, Madeline Renee, and then a second, Vivienne Eloise.
Sadly, their Vivienne only lived until 18 months old. She passed away from an infection five years ago.
Now, the family is dealing with heartbreak once again.
According to the New York State Police, the mom passed away after her husband accidentally shot her while cleaning his legally owned gun.
The incident occurred on Thursday night in their home. Police said in a statement:
At approximately 10:30 PM, 35 year old Eric Rosenbrock was performing maintenance on his legally possessed handgun when a round was discharged that struck is wife, 34 year old Ashley Rosenbrock.
The statement said that Ashley was taken to Saratoga Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police said:
A forensic autopsy was conducted at Saratoga Hospital by Dr. Michael Sikirica on Saturday November 17, 2018. The results of the autopsy are consistent with the information and evidence that has been discovered to this point in the investigation.
@nyspolice forensics investigators prepare to go inside Corinth home where woman was shot and killed late last night. Neighbors say they believe shooting was accidental. @WNYT pic.twitter.com/kYXSOSLYUR
— Mark Mulholland (@MulhollandWNYT) November 16, 2018
Neighbor Michael Knapp told WYNT:
“They’re a happy family, a good family. My heart, my heart breaks for them. They’re just good people, good people… It’s been too much tragedy for them. Too much tragedy.”
Eric is a seventh-grade teacher at an area high school and is highly regarded in the community.
It remains unclear why the gun was loaded and how it was fired while being cleaned.
But according to The Firearms Industry Trade Association (NSSF), there are several safety precautions that should be taken when handling a gun.
Firearms should not be loaded when they aren’t in use and should always be pointed in a safe direction when being handled.
NSSF said that just because a firearm’s “safety” is on, there is still a risk that a mistake can happen and it can fire.
Police have not filed any charges against the husband, but the investigation is still ongoing.