Putnam Teen Accidentally Shoots Self, Dies: Sheriff

PUTNAM VALLEY, NY — A 17-year-old Putnam Valley resident died after apparently shooting himself in the head by accident, Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr. reported.

The tragic incident took place at 7:45 p.m. Feb. 1. Sheriff's deputies responded to 56 Ridge Ave. after another teen called 911 to report that his friend had accidently shot himself.

They found 17-year-old Elias Knapp with an apparent gunshot wound to his head. Three friends were also present.

Deputies Shawn Iarussi and Brian Neary along with EMS and a Medic assisted in administering aid to the young man, who, at the time, was still breathing. The teen was transported by the Mahopac Falls ambulance to be airlifted to Westchester Medical Center.

Knapp, who lived there with his family, later died from his injuries.

The matter is under investigation by investigators from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Knapp family, Langley said in the statement.

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