11-Year-Old Welch Boy Killed In Apparent Hunting Accident

An 11-year-old Welch boy was shot and killed while hunting with a 12-year-old friend Sunday afternoon in a rural area north of Welch. 

The Craig County Sheriff's Office says the friend fell on his gun, causing it to discharge.  The bullet hit James Foster in the head.  Foster was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The small town of Welch is coping with a tragic loss.

"In a close knit community like Welch, an incident like this affects everyone," said Welch Superintendent Clark McKeon.

"There was no one else there at the time," said Craig County Sheriff Jimmie Sooter. "They were out hunting and he fell some way and that's when the gun went off and shot the 11-year-old in the head."

Both Foster and his 12-year-old friend were in the sixth grade at Welch Public Schools. It's a small district with about 370 students, and only one sixth grade class.

"Everybody is teary eyed and somber," McKeon said. "When there's a loss like this, everybody goes through a grieving process and it hits you at different times."

McKeon says additional counselors are on hand for any student who is struggling with this news.

"It's got to be difficult for the families. It's got to be difficult for the students because you're left with wondering why and there really is no answer to that question." McKeon explained.

The victim's family did not want to talk on camera, but we did speak with a family friend who says this news has devastated Foster's parents.

"Our hearts go out to the families and we just hope the best. We hope for healing for everyone." McKeon said.

"Our condolences certainly go out to the parents. The two boys were best friends. The families are good people. Our condolences, sympathies go out to them," Sooter said.

The 12-year-old boy is now at home with his parents. An autopsy will be performed on James Foster's body to help determine exactly what happened.

The OSBI and the sheriff's office say it will ultimately be up to the district attorney to determine if there will be any criminal charges.