Jackson Samuel Lambert / family photo
Updated 10-24-17 11:23 a.m.
CULLMAN – The victim in Monday night's accidental shooting was officially identified as Jackson Samuel Lambert, 16, of Cullman by Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick made the ID early Tuesday morning. Lambert was a junior at Cullman High School.
"Cullman High School has suffered a tragic loss of a student," said Cullman High School Principal Kim Hall. "At this time we have additional counselors and system personnel supporting our student body along with the amazing staff of Cullman High. We ask that all be in prayer for the family and the students of Cullman High."
As The Tribune reported Monday night, the incident occurred on the city's southeast side.
"At approximately 8:27 p.m., we received a call of a possible accidental gunshot," said Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper. "When officers arrived, they found a deceased juvenile male."
“Patrol responded to the call, which was in the Fox Meadow subdivision,” said CPD Lt. Gene Bates, one of three investigators on the scene. “Investigation was called in, and it was obvious to us that it was just a horrible, horrible accident. He (Lambert) loved to hunt, loved the outdoors, but for whatever reason last night he made a huge mistake while handling the firearm and it discharged.”
Bates said the weapon was a handgun, and that Lambert was on social media with a friend, who witnessed the incident.
“If there’s anything to take away from this,” said Bates, “it’s how important gun safety is. What I understand is he had been around guns a lot, he was an avid hunter, shot a lot and was very particular. Even for those of us around guns all the time, we don’t ever need to drop our guard. You need to continuously think about safety. All it takes is that split second.”
Bates said Sgts. Dave Nassetta and Adam Clark also worked the scene.
“When you arrive at something like that, you don’t ever want to assume anything. We worked it as thoroughly as we could, and as more information came in, we received information about the social media thing, and we interviewed the friend.
“It’s just a bad situation, a horrible situation, tragic,” said Bates.
Culpepper said no foul play is suspected.
The CPD and Cullman Emergency Medical Services responded to the call.
No further details are being released at this time.
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