UPDATED: 11-year-old boy dead after accidental discharge of a firearm in Kamas Valley

KAMAS — An 11-year-old boy is dead after suffering a gunshot wound in the Kamas Valley, Summit County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Andrew Wright confirmed Wednesday. 

Wright said the boy was wounded in the chest at a residence off of SR-248. 

The young boy has been identified as Cash Cover of Kamas Valley. Cover passed away after an accidental discharge of a firearm in the family home confirmed Summit County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday. 

Authorities report Cover, his older brother, and their mother was outside of the home prior to the accident. The two boys had permission to access a BB gun to shoot on the property, according to a police statement. At some point on Wednesday, the brothers entered the home and accessed a handgun from a bedroom. 

Shortly after, the mother heard screaming coming from inside the home. When she entered the home, she discovered Cover had a gunshot wound. When deputies arrived at the scene, they attempted life-saving efforts on Cover but evidently succumbed to his injuries. 

The family released the following statement on the death of Cash Cover:

“Our son Cash Cover lost his life in a tragic accident involving a gun. The injury was not self-inflicted. We truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support from our community and friends. We would like to thank all of the amazing people that assisted him including all the Emergency Responders, Life Flight and Summit County officials that did everything they could to help him. At this time, we ask that you respect our privacy. We will announce arrangements to celebrate Cash in the upcoming days. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!”