A 2-year-old gunshot victim has died after being flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City Friday.
Deputies and medical crews arrived around 7 p.m. to 3616 W. 2200 South in College Ward to find a 2-year-old boy shot in the stomach with a .22 caliber rifle.
After investigating, officers found that the boy's sister, 3, had grabbed a gun that had been left in the living room. According to officer reports, the gun was unloaded, but had rounds in the magazine.
The report from the Cache Valley Sheriff's Office reads:
"We believe the 3-year-old had to manipulate the action enough to chamber a live round prior to the incident occurring."
All family members were at home during the incident, and reports indicate the children's mother heard the shot from another room and called for help. The boy was taken immediately to Logan Regional Hospital where he was rushed into surgery. He was then airlifted to Primary Children's Hospital.
The boy died, and the case is being referred to the Cache County Attorneys Office for review, although it is being considered an accidental shooting.
The CCSO reminds those who own and handle guns to keep all weapons out of the reach of children.
"We urge any and all to take an inventory of their current practices in storing guns and ammunitions. Incidents like this are devastating and the best thing we can do from here is learn from the experience and make ourselves more vigilant and safe."