MONTICELLO — A 14-year-old Lawrence County boy was killed in anaccidental shooting Saturday morning in his home.

Neal Ballard was killed when a shotgun went off and struck himin the head, according to a first responder who was on thescene.

The accident occurred around 9:45 a.m. Saturday at Ballard’shome on the corner of Timberlane and Carmel-New Hope Roads. Theboy’s parents are Chad and Donna Sue Ballard.

The shooting happened in the living room, reportedly as theyoungster was preparing to go hunting.

AirCare from Jackson arrived on the scene, but returned toJackson without the patient. Ballard was transported to LawrenceCounty Hospital by ambulance.

He died at the hospital around 11:30 a.m., according to thefirst responder.

Neither the sheriff nor the coroner were available forcomment.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.