Mystery as father, 31, is shot dead in 'tragic accident' at Mississippi water park

By LAURA PARNABY, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:53, 13 May 2026 | Updated: 21:55, 13 May 2026 A young father has been shot dead in what authorities have called a 'tragic accident' at a Mississippi water park. Jacob Nitkiewicz, 31, was killed after a bullet struck him in the head at Flint Creek Water Park on the outskirts of Wiggins on Saturday. The Wiggins Police Department said officers responded to a call about a victim suffering from a gunshot wound at around 1.21am that day.  Officers rushed to the scene, but Nitkiewicz had died by the time they arrived.  'At this time, investigators believe this to be an isolated incident,' police said.  'The Wiggins Police Department wants to assure the community that Flint Creek Water Park remains safe and that there is no threat to the public or park visitors. 'This case remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.'  Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry said the incident was a 'tragic accident'. It's unclear who fired the fatal bullet and how the accident happened.  A young father has been shot dead in what authorities have called a 'tragic accident' at a Mississippi water park Jacob Nitkiewicz, 31, was killed after a bullet struck him in the head at Flint Creek Water Park on the outskirts of Wiggins on Saturday Nitkiewicz leaves behind a wife, Mackenzi, and their daughter Emersyn.  Friends have launched a fundraising page to support the family in the aftermath of his death.  'Jacob was an incredible husband and a proud, loving father,' the fundraiser reads.  'He was the heart of their home, and his love for his family was constant and unwavering.  'Now, Mackenzi and their sweet daughter, Emersyn Grace, are facing the difficult road ahead without him.  Nitkiewicz was killed after a bullet struck him in the head at Flint Creek Water Park Jacob Nitkiewicz pictured with his wife and daughter  'There are no words that can fully capture this loss. In an instant, everything changed.  'As Mackenzi begins to navigate this new reality, she is doing so with strength, love for her daughter, and the support of those around her.' The Daily Mail has contacted the Wiggins Police Department for further information.   No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.