A 9-year-old Indiana girl was killed Saturday when the gun her father was showing her accidentally went off, according to police.
Olivia Hummel, of the 100 block of E. 10th Ave. in Hobart, Indiana, was struck in the head at her home, police said. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 5:25 p.m.
Authorities said her father was showing the gun to his three children, Olivia and her two brothers, when it accidentally fired.
“You would think that people would realize that they shouldn’t have guns in the house, especially loaded guns, around kids,” neighbor Patricia Peterson said. “I’m very sad for the family, and I hope they get some peace.”
Hobart’s Joan Martin Elementary School, where Olivia attended, planned to be open on Monday for students in the community to grieve and make cards for her family.
“Our hearts are saddened and oh so heavy by the loss of Olivia,” school superintendent Dr. Peggy Buffington said in a statement. “She will always be a precious memory for those who knew her because she was adorable and filled with such joy.”
Olivia played with the Hobart Soccer Club, where her father is an assistant coach.
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"He is a good man and loves his kids greatly," Tanya Meagher, of the club's board of directors, said about Olivia's father. "Our hearts are with the family."
Olivia's father was brought in for questioning on Saturday, according to police, but it was unclear if any charges would be filed.
