2-Year-Old Boy Shot And Killed By 3-Year-Old Sister

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Police say a 2-year-old Utah boy passed away Friday after his 3-year-old sister accidentally shot him in the stomach with a rifle.

Authorities in Cache County said that the girl fired a .22 caliber weapon in the deadly incident, KSL reports.

“The gun had been used earlier in the day by the victim’s father and was set down after returning home,” said Cache County Sheriff’s Lt. Mike Peterson, according to KUTV. “The gun was in an unloaded state but did have live rounds in the magazine. We believe the three-year-old had to manipulate the action enough to chamber a live round prior to the incident occurring.”

The children’s parents were at home when the gun discharged, and the boy’s mother immediately called for help. The boy was rushed in critical condition to Logan Regional hospital for surgery, before being flown to Primary Children’s Hospital, where he later died, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

While authorities believe that the shooting was accidental, a report will be sent to the county Attorney’s Office for review. The county attorney will decide if charges will be filed.

The victim’s name was not immediately released.