MARIES COUNTY — A 12-year-old Osage County boy was pronounced dead on Monday evening after a firearm accident occurred on his family’s farm in Maries County.

Around 5 p.m. on June 24, an emergency 911 call notified Maries County deputies and emergency services that a 12 year-old boy was found shot inside of a vehicle. His father was driving the victim to get help as he could not get phone service from the farm.

Deputies and Maries-Osage Ambulance responded to the call.

“We made contact (with the father) at the intersection of Highway 42 and Maries County Road 614 at 5:18 p.m.,” said Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman on Tuesday afternoon. “Heitman added that life-saving measures were put in place, to no avail.”

After looking into the incident, it was found that the boy had accidentally shot himself.

“Despite having received training on firearms, accidents can still occur,” Heitman said. “A child death review panel will be convened to examine the case, but our initial investigation does not suggest any foul play, and points to a tragic accident. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family during this difficult time.”

According to Heitman, the young man and his father were on the family farm. The victim returned to the vehicle before his father, and was found deceased shortly thereafter by his father when he returned to the vehicle.

A .410 revolver was located inside the vehicle.

Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham and Maries County Chief Deputy Scott John conducted a joint death notification to other family members.

“We are saddened by this tragic loss of life, especially when the victim is so young with his whole life ahead of him,” said Bonham. “The situation is a reminder that firearm safety is very important.”

The boy will be taken to Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.