South MS residents raise money to help family of father killed at water park
Friends and relatives of a Gulfport husband and father who appears to have died in an accidental shooting at Flint Creek Water Park over the weekend are raising funds to help his family with expenses.
Jacob Nitkiewicz, 31, died of a gunshot wound after he was struck by a bullet while fishing at the water park around 1 a.m. Saturday, Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry said.
“It appears to be a tragic accident,” Flurry said.
Wiggins police responded to call about the shooting around 1:21 a.m. Saturday, Wiggins Police Sergeant Jarred Havard said in a release.
The father and husband died at the scene in what police described as an “isolated incident.” The shooting remains under investigation.
Since his death, friends of the family have started a GoFundMe account to help Nitkiewicz’s wife and daughter with expenses. According to the GoFundMe account organizer, Nitkiewicz was the family’s sole provider.
“Jacob was an incredible husband and a proud, loving father,” the GoFundMe account organizer said. “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.”
“There are no words that can fully capture this loss. In an instant, everything changed,” the GoFundMe account said. “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.”
For those unable to donate, organizers are asking for prayers for the family as they navigate life after the death.
Wiggins police worked with the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, the Wiggins Fire Department, the coroner’s office, Flint Creek Water Park management, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation on the investigation.
