A family experienced an unimaginable tragedy this weekend when a young child allegedly fired an unsecured shotgun, killing their 5-year-old sister and injuring their 8-year-old brother.
The Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that a caller from a Brookville, Kansas, residence called 911 around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, to report that two children had been severely injured in a shooting.
Sheriff’s deputies, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens and emergency medical responders all reported to the home and helped the 5-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy amid their injuries.
The sheriff’s office went on to say in the statement that first responders attempted life-saving measures, though the girl was unable to be saved and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, her 8-year-old brother was flown to a Wichita hospital for treatment after he sustained serious injuries. He is currently in critical condition, according to the statement.
Not much is currently known about the incident, though preliminary information indicates that the victims’ sibling picked up a loaded, unsecured shotgun. The child then fired the weapon and shot their two singlings in the process, according to authorities.
The sheriff’s office has not shared any additional information about the incident, noting that they are still gathering information amid the ongoing investigation.
The age and gender of the shooter have not been revealed, while the names of the shooter and their siblings have also not been publicly shared due to their young ages.
While much of the information is currently under wraps, the agency said that the findings will be presented to the Ellsworth County Attorney’s Office once the investigation into the case is concluded.
After authorities shared the statement via Facebook, several social media users took to the comment section to reflect on the sad situation. “This is so sad! Prayers for all involved. Especially the family of the children!” one person wrote, while another chimed in, “Praying for all of them. How devastating.”
In light of the tragedy, Ellsworth County Sheriff Kenny Bernard shared ways that other families can prevent an accidental shooting like this one from happening.
Bernard said that adults with guns should have the weapons kept locked in a gun cabinet or gun safe, according to 1011 Now.
“When you’re done with the shoot, you should empty your firearm in the field, carry it back to your vehicle, safely store it in the vehicle, away from the ammunition as well,” Bernard added.
