Teenager Dies near Merlin, Jan. 3

On December 31, 2016 at about 8:30PM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a shooting that had just occurred at a residence on Robertson Bridge Road near Merlin. First responders arrived and discovered a sixteen year old male had been shot and died from his injuries at the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed a sixteen year old male, who resided at that residence, had several friends over while his parents were out of town. This preliminary investigation indicates that the teenager accidentally shot himself while handling a firearm. His friends called 911 and began CPR but he died prior to emergency personnel arriving. It is believed several friends of the deceased may have left prior to emergency crews arriving. OSP is wishing to speak with them to assist with the investigation.