Sheriff's Department Investigating Death Of 15-Year-Old Girl

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reported it is investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl that occurred Monday evening. Just after 5:00 p.m. Monday, deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the area of Valley Ford Road and Buford Road in the Adger Community. They arrived to find a 15-year-old female suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Information at the scene is that the teen and an adult family friend had been on a youth hunt at the location. As they were preparing to leave, the girl climbed down out of the tree stand. As the friend was passing her rifle down, it discharged and the teen was struck. The investigation indicates that this was a tragic accident. The name of the teen is being withheld pending notification of family.