A 3-year-old boy somehow got his hands on a pistol that fell out of a relative’s pocket and fatally shot himself Saturday afternoon during his birthday party, Texas police said.
The toddler, who has not been publicly identified, was celebrating his birthday with his family around 4:15 p.m. in Porter, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
While the family was playing cards, they heard a gunshot and found the boy with an injury to his chest.
The boy was rushed to the nearest fire station and pronounced dead.
Officials said the gun “fell out of a family member’s pocket,” but it’s unclear how the toddler got his hands on it.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately return request for comment, including questions about whether any charges have or will be filed.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this tragic accident,” police said in a statement.
