An 11-year-old boy tragically died after accidentally shooting himself in the head while playing with a handgun in Newburgh, Hudson Valley, New York, on Wednesday morning.
According to the New York Post, the incident occurred around 8:17 a.m. on October 9, when the boy and his friend were handling a firearm that suddenly discharged. The bullet struck the child in the head, killing him instantly.
The shooting took place near a local school district and public park, prompting authorities to lock down nearby schools and playgrounds as a safety precaution. The lockdown was lifted later that afternoon after police secured the area.
Police have not released the victim’s identity or detailed circumstances surrounding the case, citing privacy reasons. They only confirmed that the deceased was a student of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.
In a statement, the district expressed deep sorrow over the boy’s death, saying they were “heartbroken for the child’s family and everyone who knew and loved him.” The district also said it would provide grief counseling and support resources for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
