Teen accidentally shot in head while target shooting dies

ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 15-year-old boy who was accidentally shot in the head in Allegheny Township Friday evening, has died.

Nicholas Ursiny, of Leechburg died at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital Sunday afternoon, according to the medical examiner.

"I just couldn't believe it," said Bradyn Wesner, a friend of Ursiny’s.

Ursiny’s friends said they are still in shock after the sudden death of their friend.

"I really didn't believe it until Bradyn sent me the picture through text and I was like how could this have happened?" said Jeff McClain, Ursiny’s friend. %

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Officials said the teen was target shooting with his dad in the back yard of their Melwood Road home, when

Ursiny accidently shot himself in the head and collapsed. %

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"The father had turned his back basically to reset a target and it appeared the son was attempting to reload and discharged," said John Fontaine, Allegheny Township police chief.

Friends and classmates told Channel 11 Ursiny was a quiet person who loved the marching band.

"He put all his hard work into marching band. He practiced every day, and he loved it and wanted to do it a lot," said Wesner.

Ursiny would have been a sophomore at Kiski Area High School this fall.

Police said this just appears to be a tragic accident and one that they hope to never see again.

"Historically, a lot of people injured with mishandling guns and this is a prime example of how that can

happen," said Fontaine.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

Cox Media Group