TIOGA, La. (AP) - A Tioga teenager has died as a result of an accidental shooting, according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting happened Thursday at about 4 p.m. at a Tioga residence.
“The victim and some friends were mishandling a firearm that they presumed was unloaded, and it discharged, striking the victim once,” said Sheriff William Earl Hilton.
The victim was identified as Tony Lawson, 17.
After a 911 call, Rapides Parish sheriff’s deputies arrived and performed CPR on Lawson until Alpine Volunteer Fire Department personnel and other medical personnel arrived.
Lawson was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The shooting was under investigation but deputies said it appeared to be accidental.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers go out to this young man’s family and friends,” Hilton said.
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