Boy, 7, dies in shooting accident

A 7-year-old Coeur d'Alene boy died in a shooting accident Saturday night.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department reported that the incident occurred at the end of a hunting trip near Harrison.

According to a press release, Robert A. Bartlett, 36, of St. Maries, was placing a rifle back into a vehicle in the 4600 block of Sunset Drive off Highway 97 when the gun discharged about 7:45 p.m.

His son, Conner Bartlett, was struck by the bullet. He was transported by ambulance to the O'Gara Road Fire station, where he died.

Conner lived in Coeur d'Alene with his mother and attended Skyway Elementary school.

Laura Rumpler, Coeur d'Alene School District spokeswoman, said the district mobilized its crisis response team Sunday afternoon. It will have counselors at the school today for staff and students. A note was also being emailed to Skyway parents Sunday evening to let them know what happened and give them a chance to talk with their children at home. Each classroom teacher will read a brief statement to students.

"We want to make certain our community within the school, and students and staff are fully supported," she said.

An investigation continues.