Police name boy, 11, fatally shot in accident

Police have named the 11-year-old boy who died yesterday after being shot in the chest while playing with his young cousin.

He was Triston Jermaine Papuni, of Anaura Bay, on the east coast, north of Gisborne.

The two boys were playing with a gun at a house on Tutamoe Station, about 30km west of Tolaga Bay, when the high-powered rifle discharged.

The incident occurred just after 4.30pm. Triston died before emergency services arrived.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott, of Gisborne CIB, said police were still investigating the incident and it was too early to establish where the gun had been found.

" The boys were playing with a loaded and unsecured firearm. The firearm discharged and the 11-year-old boy received a shot to his chest area."

Ambulance officers were flown in by the Lion Foundation Eastland Rescue Helicopter but it was too late. Triston boy died at the scene.

His cousin, who is understood to have run for help after the incident occurred, was treated for shock.

The parents were not home when the incident happened, although a 17-year-old was in the house and also ran for help.

"The young boy who died was staying there during the school holidays," Mr Scott said.

Family members gathered at the home afterwards.

- NZPA