Children of instructor shot dead by nine-year-old girl release moving video message

The children of a weapons instructor shot dead when a nine-year-old girl he was teaching lost control of a gun have released a video message to the youngster.

"Someday we hope we can meet you, hug you, and tell you that it's okay," the four children of Charles Vacca say in the emotional video released today.

"You're only nine-years-old. We think about you, we are worried about you, we pray for you and we wish you peace. Our dad would want the same thing."

The family from Arizona in the US released the message through their lawyers three weeks since the death that shocked the world.

The unidentified girl's parents filmed using a smartphone as Mr Vacca taught her to fire an Uzi submachine gun at the Arizona Last Stop shooting range on August 25.

The girl lost control of the powerful weapon and accidentally shot Mr Vacca once in the head.

He is survived by his wife and four children, Christopher Vacca, 11, Tylor Vacca, 14, Elizabeth Vacca, 15, and Ashley Moser, 19.

"We don't know your name but we are connected by this tragedy," the children say in the video addressed to the girl.

They also pay tribute to their dad.

"He was funny, strong, a protector, a hero, and our friend."

Family lawyer James Goodnow said it was the children's idea to write the letter.

"I was touched when they told me they wanted to do this,", Mr Goodnow told ABC.

"It's rare to see something so human in a legal situation like this.

"This is about extending out, reaching out to someone who was hurt by this, and saying it's okay."

No charges have been laid as a result of Mr Vacca's death.

The family of the nine-year-old girl released a statement last month saying they were devastated.

"Words cannot express the family's sadness ... They prayed day and night that he would survive his injury, and they continue to pray for his family during this terribly difficult time."