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Monday, November 9, 2026Nov 9

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Accidental gunshot kills 11-year-old, injures parents

Shooting tile black background red circle
Shooting tile black background red circle Shooting tile black background red circle

An 11-year-old Cherokee County, Ala., child was killed and the child’s mother and father injured in accidental shooting on Sunday, officials said.

Authorities have not disclosed the names of those involved.

The accident happened Sunday around 9:30 p.m. CST at a home on County Road 865 in Gaylesville, Ala., Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver said in a news release on the incident.

“The father was apparently cleaning the handgun when it discharged. The bullet went through his hand and struck the 11-year-old, who was sitting on the couch, and then struck the mother in the elbow,” Shaver said.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Jeremy Deaton. The child’s parents were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

An investigation is continuing into the shooting, officials said.

Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.comor twitter.com/BenBenton or www.facebook.com/ben.benton1or 423-757-6569.