HOUSTON - Police in Houston say the death of a 19-year-old who apparently shot himself while taking selfies was a tragic accident.

The shooting happened after Deleon Smith and his cousin found a handgun.

It's believed they were posing with it while taking selfies and posting them online when Smith held the gun to his neck and pulled the trigger.

Smith -- who apparently thought the gun was unloaded -- was hit in the throat and died before paramedics could get to his apartment complex.

His uncle and aunt, Eric and Alma Douglas, say the tragedy is the worst feeling of their lives.

Smith was to start community college classes today.