The Story Behind National Lock Your Gun Day

July 8th, 2023, would’ve been Vaughn Jr.’s 19 birthday and marks the 5th anniversary of his passing. Every year it serves as a reminder for us at Big Waves to help spread the message about gun safety.

On June 14, 2018, Vaughn Scott Bigelow Jr., 13, was shot in Westminster, Colorado, by a man who followed his mother’s car into the parking lot of their pediatric dentist's office after a road rage incident. His mother, youngest brother, and a witness were critically wounded. Vaughn died 24 days before his 14th birthday.

It’s never easy to lose someone you love. We grieve deeply for moments we’ll never share. We remember their smile and their impact on us in everyday moments when we least expect it. Wishing they were here to laugh, cry, and share the mundane with, but rather than dwelling in the sadness, we choose to honor him. We do this by creating waves and ripples of positivity throughout the community. This is why we created Big Waves and recognize July 8th as National Lock Your Gun Day.

Join Us to Celebrate Vaughn

Join us on July 8th as we present the Vaughn Jr. Scholarship to one deserving Colorado Water Polo player. We’ll celebrate Vaughn’s life with love and laughter.

Since its inception in October 2020, Big Waves has shipped out 852 gun locks to 41 states with the free gun lock program. We believe that every moment matters. 

Did you know that more than 100 Americans are shot and killed daily in the United States? The majority of gun deaths are suicide, while one-third are homicide. Locking guns and ammunition and separating them all individually can reduce the risk of a child getting injured or killed by up to 73%. That’s why gun locks matter so much.

Create Your Own #RippleOfPositivity

Please click here to donate to the GoFundMe page and help honor Bubba on his birthday.