Deer Creek, Minnesota — A 3-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself Sunday night in west-central Minnesota, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting occurred around 5:40 p.m. in Oak Valley Township near Deer Creek, approximately 160 miles northwest of the Twin Cities.
The boy was taken to a Wadena hospital and pronounced dead on Monday morning. The sheriff’s office says it is still investigating.
The victim’s name is Rudy Sweere, according to a GoFundMe page set up for his family.
“Please, prayerfully consider helping the Sweere family during this time as they prepare to celebrate Rudy’s vibrant life,” the fundraiser’s organizer stated.
As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign had raised nearly $4,000 for the boy’s family.
The sheriff’s office did not say whether any arrests were made in Sweere’s death or if anyone is expected to face criminal charges.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional firearm injuries are the leading cause of death among people aged one to seventeen.