Investigators have emphasized that the friend who made the emergency call was not considered responsible for either shooting.
Police interviewed the individual as part of their investigation and determined that the caller was not believed to have been involved in the shootings.
“The caller was interviewed by detectives and is not believed to have been involved in the shootings,” police said.
The Fairbanks Police Department described the incident as “a tragic and preventable loss of life” and used the tragedy to remind the public about the importance of firearm safety.
Authorities urged people to “practise firearm safety at all times.”
For the families involved, however, the warning came after an unimaginable loss.
Family says gun safety had always been taken seriously
Following Landon’s death, his family spoke publicly about the tragedy in a heartbreaking social media post shared by his brother.
The family emphasized that firearm safety had not been something Landon was unfamiliar with.
According to his relatives, he had been taught about firearms from an early age and had received formal training throughout his life.
The family wrote:
“Landon’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that gun safety must never be taken for granted.”
They explained that Landon had grown up in a household where firearm safety was taught from childhood.
“Landon was raised in a family where firearm safety was taught from an early age. He took gun safety courses as a child, joined the military after graduation, and received additional firearms training,” they said.
But despite that background and training, the family said a moment of complacency had devastating consequences.
“Despite being well-trained, complacency tragically entered the picture, and CloeRae’s life was taken.”
The family also described what happened during the 911 call and the emotional state they believe Landon was in after realizing what had happened.
“During the 911 call, Landon became overwhelmed with grief and heartbreak over what had happened and took his own life,” they wrote.
They also asked people to remember Landon not only for the tragic final moments of his life, but for the person they knew him to be.
“Anyone who knew Landon knows that he had one of the biggest, kindest, and most caring hearts.”
The family acknowledged that the circumstances of the tragedy would forever be part of Landon’s story, but they said those final moments should not completely define the person he had been.
“This tragedy does not erase the person he was, but it is a devastating reminder of how quickly one moment of complacency can change multiple lives forever.”
Two families left to grieve
The tragedy has left both families facing an unimaginable loss.
CloeRae was only 21 years old and was studying to become a teacher. According to the account surrounding the tragedy, she and Landon had been only days away from getting engaged, making the sudden loss even more painful for those who knew them.
Instead of celebrating an engagement, their loved ones are now mourning two lives lost in the same devastating incident.
Landon’s family also remembered the people who were directly affected by what happened, including his roommate, who they said was present when the tragedy occurred.
“Please keep both families in your prayers during this unimaginable time,” the family wrote.
“Please also remember Landon’s roommate, who was present when this tragedy occurred.”
They ended their message by asking the public for compassion and understanding as everyone affected attempts to process what happened.
“We ask for prayers, compassion, and privacy for everyone affected as our families try to navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
The incident has left behind grief, unanswered emotions and a painful reminder from both authorities and Landon’s family about the importance of treating firearms with constant care.
Police have stressed that firearm safety must never be taken for granted. Landon’s family echoed that message, saying that even someone who has received years of training can make a single devastating mistake.
For CloeRae’s loved ones, there is now the permanent pain of losing a 21-year-old woman who was preparing to become a teacher and who, according to the account surrounding the tragedy, was only days away from taking another major step in her relationship.
And for Landon’s family, there is the complicated grief of losing someone they loved while also confronting the devastating consequences of what happened.
One moment changed multiple lives forever.
The families are now asking for prayers, compassion and privacy as they attempt to make sense of a tragedy that should never have happened.