Duane "Dog" Chapman, widely known as "Dog the Bounty Hunter" from his popular reality television series, is once again in the public spotlight, this time grappling with a profound family tragedy. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, his 13-year-old step-grandson, Anthony, was accidentally shot and killed by his father, Gregory Zecca (Dog's stepson), at their apartment in Naples, Florida.

The shocking incident, which authorities have described as an "isolated accident" with no arrests made as of Monday, July 21, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the family and elicited an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. In a statement released through a family representative, Dog and his wife, Francie Frane (Anthony's grandmother and Gregory's mother), expressed their deep sorrow: "We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible, tragic accident and would ask for continued prayers as we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony."

This devastating news adds another layer of grief to Dog's life, which has been marked by both professional highs and significant personal challenges. His career as a bounty hunter gained national recognition after the capture of infamous fugitive Andrew Luster, leading to the long-running A&E reality series Dog the Bounty Hunter (2004-2012). The show, and its spin-offs like Dog and Beth: On the Hunt and Dog's Most Wanted, cemented his reputation for his distinctive approach to fugitive apprehension, often incorporating elements of faith and redemption.

Since the end of his original show, Chapman has continued to be active in various capacities. He co-hosted The Masked Singer in early 2022, showcasing a different side to his public persona. He has also penned several best-selling memoirs, including You Can Run But You Can't Hide and Where Mercy Is Shown, Mercy Is Given, chronicling his personal journey from a past felony conviction to a career as a celebrated crime-fighter.

His personal life has often been as public as his professional one. Following the passing of his beloved wife and longtime professional partner, Beth Chapman, in 2019 after a battle with throat cancer, Dog found love again with Francie Frane. The couple, who both experienced the loss of their respective spouses to cancer, bonded over shared grief and married in 2021. Francie has since become an integral part of his life, often accompanying him to public appearances and even participating in bounty hunting efforts. Gregory Zecca, Francie's son and the father in the recent tragic accident, has also been involved with Dog's bounty hunting team.

Despite the ongoing challenges, including a well-documented felony conviction that prohibits him from owning firearms and has led to him being refused entry to the United Kingdom, Dog continues to operate bail-bond businesses in Hawaii, engage in public speaking, and advocate for tougher crime legislation.

As the Chapman family navigates this latest profound loss, the outpouring of sympathy from fans underscores the deep connection many feel to the man known as "Dog the Bounty Hunter," a complex figure who, through his television presence and personal transparency, has become a cultural icon associated with second chances and the enduring pursuit of justice.