Robert Eugene Owens, 46, founder and editor of the Second Amendment advocacy website Bearing Arms, was found dead in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Monday from a gun-shot wound to the head.
Police are investigating reports that the wound was self-inflicted.
According to WNCN, police were notified of Owens’ body on Monday morning after it was found near the intersection of Sequoia Ridge Drive and Judd Parkway, near a stop sign. A firearm was found near Owens’ body.
Owens last Facebook post read immediately before his death, “In the end, it turns out that I’m not strong. I’m a coward, and a selfish son of a bitch. I’m sorry.”
Owens’ daughter Maya wrote a post back to her father, stating, “It’s okay dad. I love you.”
Maya Owens Facebook post to her dad
Condolences from friends and fans poured in over social media as news surfaced of Owens’ passing Monday night.
Count me among the many friends of @bob_owens grieving tonight. Please keep his family in your prayers.
— Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) May 9, 2017
Praying for Bob Owens’ family tonight.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) May 9, 2017
BNONews notes that Owens began blogging about firearms in 2004 while he was living in New York. He later launched Bearing Arms, which discusses news about firearms and has a following of more than 2 million people on Facebook.
If You Know Someone in Crisis
Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the NSPL’s website