HAMMOND, La. — A three-year-old boy is dead after he accidentally shot himself in Hammond on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office.
The incident happened around 1 p.m. when deputies were called to a home on Red Fox Drive.
Deputies said the caller reported that the toddler "had gotten a hold of a gun and accidentally shot himself in the face."
Authorities said the child found his father's gun under a mattress and it was not properly secured.
When deputies arrived, they said a parent tried to save the boy up until emergency responders came, but he could not be saved.
The investigation is ongoing and Sheriff Gerald Sticker is asking the public to join him in prayer for this family, but also reminding the public about the importance of gun safety.
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