Dec 01, 2021

Friends assist Kansas family after boy dies in accidental shooting

Posted Dec 01, 2021 2:00 PM
photo courtesy GoFundMe
photo courtesy GoFundMe

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a reported fatal accidental shooting identified 13-year-old Waylon Treat of Wichita as the victim, according to officer Trevor Macy.

The boy's cousin established a fundraiser to assist the family. CLICK here to view the GoFundMe page.

Just after 6:00 p.m., Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 4300 block of S.Bernita in Wichita, according to Macy.

At the home, first responders located the boy with a single gunshot wound to the head. EMS transported him to an area hospital in critical condition and he was later pronounced deceased.

Investigators learned that a 16-year-old brother had brought a handgun home, and both he and the 13-year-old were handling the firearm inside the home.  At some point in the handling of the firearm, the gun went off – striking Waylon and causing the fatal injury.

Adults were home at the time of the shooting but were unaware of the gun, according to Macy. This tragic incident was reported to be an accident, but police are still investigating the circumstances, according to Macy. Once the investigation has concluded, it will be presented to the District Attorney's office.