Father accidentally kills son at US gun range: Police

Firearms killed 13,286 people in the United States last year. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A father accidentally shot and killed his 14-year-old son at a Florida gun range on Sunday (July 3), the police said.

Mr William Brumby, 54, was firing his handgun at a shooting range in Sarasota - an hour south of Tampa by car - when a spent shell casing deflected off a nearby wall and fell down the back of his shirt.

"Brumby then used his right hand, which was holding the handgun, in an attempt to remove the casing," the Sarasota County Sheriff's office said in a statement.

"While doing so, he inadvertently pointed the firearm directly behind him and accidently fired." The bullet hit his son, Stephen Brumby, who was standing directly behind him.

He was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Mr Brumby's 24-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter were also at the shooting range at the time. Neither was injured, the police said.

Police are investigating the incident, but no charges have been filed against Mr Brumby, the sheriff's office said.

Firearms killed 13,286 people in the United States last year.

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