'Terrible accident': 8-year-old shot, killed by pellet gun in Moses Lake

GRANT COUNTY, Wash. -- An 8-year-old boy is dead after being shot in the chest with a pellet gun in Moses Lake, sheriff's officials said.

The shooting is being investigated as a "terrible accident," according to Kyle Foreman of the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities say a 13-year-old was handling the gun along Scott Road at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when it went off, striking the 8-year-old.

Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the 8-year-old died at the scene.

"What we ask is that everyone prays for the family, and for the little boy and the little boy's friend and other loved ones," said Foreman.

The name of the boy who was killed is expected to be released by the coroner's office on Wednesday.

"We also ask this, please show compassion and empathy in any of the comments that you make, sometimes it's easy to be judgmental about situations like this and this just isn't the time or place to do it," said Foreman.