'It is just so quiet in my house now without him:' Robeson Co. mother after child's death

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WPDE) — Terricka Parks said her life has forever changed following the tragic death of her 7-year-old son, Draquine Floyd, Jr.

Floyd died in an accidental shooting this past Saturday at a home on Powell Street in the Fairmont community of Robeson County, according to Fairmont Police Chief Jon Edwards.

Edwards said the child found a loaded firearm inside the residence, and while he was handling it, the gun discharged.

The child did not live at the house, but was a visiting family member, Edwards said.

He added they'd charged the child's great uncle with Failure to Secure a Firearm to Protect a Minor. He's out of jail on a $10,000 bond.

Parks said she truly misses her son.

“My baby was smart and he was so joyful. It is just so quiet in my house now without him," said Parks.

The child's father, Draquine Floyd, said he's just too devastated to talk.

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The boy's grandmother, Dorothy Parks, said what her family is going through just doesn't seem real.

“It was unreal. It was like a dream, I couldn’t believe what was going on. That’s my grandbaby. My baby. That baby has my blood running through his veins. It hurts," said Dorothy Parks.

Parks is keeping the blanket near her that was wrapped around Draquine when he was shot.

She said the blood-stained blanket near her is a realization of what happened and a need for people to keep their guns out of the reach of children.

"We are hurt, but I want you all to see the blood, the damage that it causes people. Although it’s an accident, you have to be careful. I’m a gun owner myself but, there is no way on gods green earth that I would want to put anyone’s family through this. You all have got to secure your weapons. Have them, but secure them. Protect our babies. It’s too many of our children dying here,” said Dorothy Parks.

Parks said the 7-year-old meant the world to his whole family, especially his brothers.

She said they too have shed many tears over Draquine's death.

“I will never ever see his little smile again. We will never see you again, not in person. I will never hear his little voice say Grandma again. Mama. Daddy. Uncle, I will never," said Dorothy Parks.

The family set up a GoFundMe to help with unexpected funeral expenses.

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An excerpt on it reads:

"My name is Terricka Parks, my son Draquine Shivar Floyd Jr lost his life in a tragic accident due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound that occurred on April 8th, 2023. We are devastated by the loss of my youngest son Jr and is struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of the funeral service.

Based on the quote we received from Colvin’s Funeral Home Services, the total cost for the funeral services will be $5,100. Due to my inability to work at this time and also having three other kids to take care of I am asking for a little extra to help with other expenses.

We will need to pay all funeral costs by April 11th, 2023.

Please consider donating if you’re able to do so. We are so very grateful for each donation during this difficult time.

With love,

Terricka Parks and Family"

ABC 15 will let you know when funeral arrangements are announced.