8-year-old Boy Killed By BB Gun While Playing With Friend

TAYLORSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – Child’s play took a tragic and deadly turn Sunday when an 8-year-old boy died after being shot by a BB or pellet gun. The tragedy happened in the rural community of Stony Point, according to a news release from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrived to find the child with a BB or pellet wound to the chest. He was transported to the nearest hospital, Iredell Memorial, for evaluation. Doctors ordered him to be transferred to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital in Winston Salem. As the ambulance was en-route, he went into cardiac arrest and the crew diverted to the nearest hospital, which was Davie Medical Center. Doctors were unable to save the boy and he was pronounced dead.

Back in Alexander County, deputies investigating the incident determined that two children, ages 7 and 8, were shooting a BB gun and a pellet rifle at targets near the family home when the incident occurred. The investigation is continuing.

The dangers of BB and pellet guns are often brushed aside, and many children are allowed to use (or play with) them with little or no adult supervision, and without any training in guy safety. Many modern BB and pellet guns are far more powerful than the ‘Red Ryders” that most of us grew up with.  They are – for all intents and purposes – guns, and the four rules of gun safety must be taught and enforced by responsible adults.