Boy Fatally Shoots HImself In The Head At Boy Scout Camp

According to authorities, a boy attending a Boy Scout camp in San Diego, died of a gunshot wound to the head on Monday. The police were called in after a report on a suicide attempt at the Fiesta Island Youth Camp and Youth Aquatic Center in Mission Bay at 7:35 a.m., Lt. Mike Hastings said.

Officers were able to get the gun away from the 12-year-old scout but by then it was too late, Hastings said. The boy was pronounced dead at the campsite after paramedics tried to revive him, according to a spokesperson for San Diego Fire Rescue.

NBC San Diego reports:

Investigators have blocked off the camp entrance and are interviewing scouts and leaders, including the child’s father who was present at the camp. Hastings said the scout had arrived Sunday with a troop from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Caterer Robert Peletier was serving breakfast at the camp when he saw what happened moments after the shooting.

When the Nevada troop was told about the shooting, there were lots of tears, Peletier said.

Bob Jones had just arrived to the camp early Monday to bring his 12-year-old grandson trail mix when he learned about the shooting.

His eyes watering, Jones said he was shocked and also concerned for his grandson who has been diagnosed as autistic.

“I know this will affect him emotionally so I would just like to be there for him,” Jones said. “I’d like to get some word to him if I can.”

The Bay Park resident said camp was scheduled to last the week.

A camp counselor walked out to talk with parents who had gathered near the entrance to the camp. He would not discuss reports of a shooting but did confirm there was no firearms program at the camp.

An NBC 7 news crew on the scene said there was a large group of scouts gathered in the center of camp just after 9 a.m. It’s not known what was announced to the group. Parents have not been told to come and pick up their kids and camp will continue as usual. Crisis counselors were made available to those attending the camp, Hastings said.

No details were offered as to how the child gained access to the firearm.

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