A weekend hunting trip in Northeast Texas ended in tragedy after Jose Ramirez, a 45-year-old father of three from Grapevine, was accidentally shot and killed while removing his firearm from a vehicle, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, when TPWD game wardens responded to what officials described as a hunting-related accident. Despite immediate life-saving efforts at the scene, Ramirez did not survive.

His sudden loss has devastated his family, friends, and the broader Grapevine community, where Ramirez was widely known for his work in local restaurants and for his warm, dependable presence.

A Family’s Heartbreak: “My Dad Meant the World to Me”

Ramirez was identified by his family in a GoFundMe created by one of his daughters, who described him as the foundation of their home.

“My father, Jose Ramirez, passed away unexpectedly, and our family is heartbroken,” she wrote. “My dad meant the world to me.”

She remembered him as “the pillar of our home, the provider for our family, and the one who always made sure we were taken care of.”

More than anything, she wrote, the “light of his life” was his infant granddaughter — a source of joy who brought a special brightness to his days.

In a deeply personal tribute, she reflected on the values her father passed down:

“He taught me the most important lessons in life — to never give up, to work hard for what you want, and to always do what makes you happy, no matter how small it may seem. He believed that true success comes from loving what you do and living with a happy heart.”

Her words now serve as a reminder of a man whose life was defined by dedication to his family and the simple but powerful belief that kindness and hard work matter most.

What Happened: A Firearm Discharges During Unloading

According to KLTV, citing TPWD officials, the accident occurred when Ramirez was removing his firearm from a vehicle. At some point during the process, the weapon discharged unexpectedly, and a bullet struck him.

Few additional details have been released as the investigation is ongoing, but TPWD noted that accidental discharges often occur during transitional moments — loading or unloading guns, entering or exiting vehicles, or passing firearms between individuals.

TPWD game wardens are trained to investigate hunting-related incidents, including accidental shootings, and the agency encourages all hunters to follow strict safety protocols when handling firearms in or around vehicles.

Game wardens said they “always wish a tragedy like this could have been avoided.”

A Life Rooted in Community: “He Worked Hard and Touched Everyone He Met”

Ramirez grew up in Grapevine, a city just northwest of Dallas, and his face and name became familiar to many through decades of work in local restaurants.

The community page “Grapevine Edit” shared a tribute highlighting Ramirez’s long-standing presence in local hospitality.

“Most recently, he worked at Son of a Butcher, Silver Lake Marina’s Rockin’ S Express Bar & Grill, and spent over a decade at Kirby’s Steakhouse,” the post noted.

The tribute added that Ramirez’s family wanted the community to be notified of his passing because they knew “how many coworkers, customers, and locals cared about him and would want to know.”

In Grapevine, he was remembered as:

hardworking

friendly

dedicated

always willing to lend a hand

a man who brought warmth into restaurants, workplaces, and family gatherings

Residents who knew him say he was the kind of person whose quiet kindness left an impression on everyone he met.

A Season of Tradition Shadowed by Tragedy

TPWD noted that hunting season — particularly rifle season for white-tailed deer — brings increased outdoor activity and therefore elevated risk.

Texas’ general rifle season began on November 1, with end dates varying by region. The state is home to one of the nation’s largest hunting communities, and TPWD regularly hosts education programs designed to reduce accidental incidents like the one that claimed Ramirez’s life.

The agency emphasized that firearm safety remains critical, especially during high-activity months.

In a public reminder posted earlier this fall, TPWD urged hunters to:

always treat firearms as if they are loaded

ensure muzzles remain pointed in a safe direction

be deliberate and careful when unloading or loading firearms

never transport a loaded firearm in or out of a vehicle

These guidelines, TPWD says, protect not only hunters but everyone around them.

Firearm Safety: A Cautionary Reminder for Hunters

Accidental discharges are rare but not unheard of during hunting season. They often stem from:

handling firearms while fatigued

attempting to multitask

attention lapses

improper weapon storage

unfamiliarity with safety mechanisms

In the wake of Ramirez’s death, local safety advocates and TPWD officials reemphasized the importance of slowing down and following safety steps methodically — especially in low-light environments, early mornings, or late nights.

TPWD extended condolences to Ramirez’s family and reiterated the importance of responsible firearm handling.

The Ripple of Loss: A Family Forever Changed

Ramirez leaves behind:

three children, including the daughter who shared the family’s public tribute

a young granddaughter, whom family members say he adored

a network of friends and coworkers who knew him from years in the restaurant industry

a grieving community trying to make sense of a sudden, life-altering loss

Family members described him as a steady presence, a source of comfort, and someone who made their home feel complete.

His daughter wrote:

“He believed in loving what you do. He believed in working hard. He believed in living with a happy heart.”

Those close to him say those beliefs were not just words but the way he lived every day.

A Community Rallies to Support the Ramirez Family

Since the launch of the GoFundMe campaign, friends, neighbors, customers, former coworkers, and Grapevine residents have donated to help cover funeral expenses and support the family’s immediate needs.

Many left messages praising Ramirez’s character:

“Always had a smile.”

“He took care of everyone.”

“He was one of the good ones.”

“A wonderful man gone too soon.”

For a man whose life was built on service — in restaurants, at home, and in his relationships — the outpouring of support reflects the mark he left on those around him.

A Reminder of the Fragility of Life and the Importance of Safety

The accident that took Ramirez’s life was preventable — a fact not lost on TPWD officials.

Though hunting accidents in Texas are statistically rare — especially compared with the state’s enormous population of hunters — even a single tragedy underscores the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership.

TPWD’s central message remains clear:

Handle every firearm carefully

Follow safety steps consistently

Slow down

Double-check and triple-check weapons

Never rush when securing or removing a firearm

The agency hopes Ramirez’s story will encourage hunters to prioritize caution every time they step into the field.

A Community Remembers, a Family Grieves, and a Tragedy Spurs Reflection

The death of Jose Ramirez has shaken Grapevine and reminded Texans across the state that even experienced gun owners can face moments of unexpected danger.

His family remembers him as a devoted father, a loving grandfather, and a man whose generosity touched countless lives. His coworkers remember him as loyal and hardworking. His community remembers him as a familiar, friendly presence.

As the investigation continues, and as the family works through unimaginable grief, one truth remains: Ramirez’s life made a difference in the community he served. His loss is deeply felt, and his story has already prompted renewed conversations about safety—conversations that could help protect others in the future.

The Ramirez family has asked for continued prayers and privacy as they navigate life without the man who held them together.