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Crime scene tape surrounded tents and campers at the Boy Scout Summer Camp on Fiesta Island Monday, after a boy died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (AP Photo/U-T San Diego, John Gibbins)
SAN DIEGO » A 12-year-old boy at a Boy Scout camp in San Diego died from a gunshot wound to the head Monday morning, and police were investigating whether the shooting was self-inflicted or accidental.
Police received a call at 7:36 a.m. Monday that a boy had shot himself in the head at the camp on Fiesta Island, Officer Matt Tortorella told The Associated Press.
Officers found a gun in the boy’s tent. It wasn’t clear where the gun came from or how it got into the camp.
There were no firearm programs or activities available, and Boy Scouts of America policy does not allow personal firearms at its events, organization spokesman Deron Smith said.
"This is an extremely sad day for our entire scouting family," Boy Scouts of America said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those who experienced this tragedy. Our top priority is providing support to our community and for those in the grieving process."
The organization said grief counselors were sent to the camp.
The boy’s father was a chaperone for the troop, and about 20 Scouts were at the camp, Lt. Mike Hastings said.
The weeklong summertime program allows Scouts to camp among sandy dunes on Mission Bay in San Diego. They can sail, kayak, and do other activities while earning merit badges.
