Malin, Ore. – The community of Malin is mourning the loss of an 11 year old boy.
Police say the boy died from an apparent accidental gunshot wound.
Classes continued on schedule today at Malin Elementary School, but Principal Larita Ongman notes it wasn’t business as usual…
“The school is very sad. The kids, the students are very sad.”
They’re mourning the loss of a fifth grade boy, dead from what Malin Town Marshal Ronald Broussard is calling an accidental gunshot wound.
“We’re not going to give the name of the person involved.” Notes Marshal Broussard.
The shooting took place just after 4:30 Thursday afternoon at a home not far from the school.
Broussard adds that the family is requesting privacy…
“The conversation I had with them this morning, they’re requesting no media at their house. They want time to heal and grieve.”
Marshal Broussard can’t say how the boy may have come into contact with the 22 caliber rifle…
“At this point because of the investigation, I can’t release any information.”
A ‘Crisis Team’ has been brought in to help students and staff.
Principal Ongman says a service dog named ‘Simba’ is also helping to comfort upset students…
“And the kids have been coming in all morning, some talking to counselors, and some going right over to Simba and just being close to him.”
Ongman says teachers and staff are also feeling the loss…
“He was one of those kids that would smile at anybody, and everybody.”
Marshal Broussard says he’s working closely with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office on the investigation…
“We owe it to the family, we owe it to the community, we owe it to the students at this school.”
Malin Elementary has been working closely with law enforcement in the wake of the tragedy.
It was recommended that the school follow regular hours and operations today, with support available for students, family, and staff.
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