Fond du Lac County, WI – A 2-year-old child died Friday morning after a firearm discharged inside a vehicle at a residence in Fond du Lac County, prompting an active death investigation by local authorities.
According to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Friday around 10:26 a.m. when a 911 call reported a young child had allegedly sustained a gunshot injury near a home. Deputies, along with North Fond du Lac Ambulance and Lamartine first responders, arrived within minutes and attempted life-saving efforts. Despite those efforts, the child was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators said the incident allegedly occurred after three young children were left inside a vehicle parked in the driveway while a parent briefly returned inside the home. During that time, a 4-year-old allegedly accessed a loaded firearm left in the vehicle’s center console. The weapon allegedly discharged, striking the 2-year-old sibling. Authorities confirmed no other individuals were injured.
The sheriff’s office said the shooting appears to have been isolated to the residence driveway, and foul play is not currently suspected. However, officials emphasized the investigation remains active and ongoing in coordination with the Medical Examiner’s Office. Any potential criminal charges will be determined following the conclusion of the investigation.
Authorities also noted the family is cooperating with investigators as they work to determine the full sequence of events. A crisis response team and chaplain were called to assist those affected.
Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt extended condolences to the family and urged residents to secure firearms and keep them out of reach of children to prevent similar tragedies.
No additional details have been released at this time.
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