Family calls for ‘cooling off period’ law after son buys gun, ends his life

NBC 5

Andrew Robert Black, 23, died Thursday, Dec. 6, in his home in Essex, Vermont.

His mother, Alyssa Hughes Black, told NBC5 he purchased a firearm earlier that day and took his own life hours later.  

Black’s newspaper obituary asks that in lieu of flowers, Vermonters ask that those who wish to honor Black’s life to consider lobbying legislators with the following:

“In honor of Andrew R. Black, we ask that you work for legislation that imposes a reasonable waiting period between firearm purchase and possession to provide a cooling off period to guard against impulsive acts of violence.”

Black’s obituary reads, “Anyone who knew and loved Andrew is encouraged to come and contribute their stories, memories and share in his favorite brews.”

Donations can also be made to the Green Mountain Club, as he was an avid hiker.

There will be a public viewing Dec. 13 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home on 9 Pleasant St. in Essex Junction.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the brewery where Black worked, is hosting a celebration of his life Friday, Dec. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 155 Carroll Road in Waitsfield.

Black graduated from Essex High School in 2014.

A passionate fan of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, he also loved animals — especially his dog, Biggie.

In a Facebook post, Hughes Black wrote, “Andrew was a beautiful, funny, talented and kind young man. He was loved by everyone who had the food fortune to know him and he was well on his way to a bright future. We loved Andrew so much and we know Andrew loved us and our family. He was the glue that always kept us deeply connected and he was the bright joy that always kept us laughing.”

https://www.mynbc5.com/article/family-calls-for-cool-off-period-law-after-son-buys-gun-ends-his-life/25470711

5 thoughts on “Family calls for ‘cooling off period’ law after son buys gun, ends his life

  1. I blame organized hockey for him taking his life. Any one watching nhl should get the death penalty.

    There, now that we’ve both made ridiculous nonsensical demands, bear in mind your infringement on our Second Article is what is protected so go F yourself.

    Or go watch hockey.

  2. My first thought is was on the mind altering anti-depressants that would be my first question because it increases suicide by 300% in those who take them and 400% when you try to quit them. Was he drunk when he did it are you going to ask for a waiting period for a six-pack and what if he killed himself in a car would they be asking for a waiting period for buying an automobile

  3. Ridiculous to ask for more time,you pay your money, you get your gun, gangsters don’t wait to shoot.

  4. While I empathize about the death of their son, that in no way justifies them infringing on anyone’s rights. If that guy wanted to die, he would have found a way with or without a gun.

  5. I CAN PROMISE YOU. IF I DECIDE TO TAKE MY LIFE AND I DON’T HAVE A GUN HANDY…. WELL, I DON’T NEED ONE………….WILLINGNESS TO DIE PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN DEATH……..
    “COOLING OFF PERIOD”?
    WHY?
    IF YOU’RE THAT DAMN IMPULSIVE, YOU NEED TO BE IN A NUT HOUSE.
    TO BAD THAT THEY’RE ALL CLOSED………..

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