On Tuesday night, Kyree Davis suffered a fatal gunshot wound while at home with his older brother. Dolton police say it appears the gun was accidentally discharged by the 11-year-old. Kyree's death was ruled a homicide.
Dolton police and the Department of Children and Family Services, which has had no prior involvement with the family, are investigating.
No foul play is suspected and no charges are expected, police say.
"He was a child who was just blooming and blossoming in school and doing very well," said Supt. Jayne Purcell, Dolton District 148.
Superintendent Purcell says Kyree Davis was well liked at Harriet Tubman School where he was a third grader. District social workers were at the school Wednesday to help teachers and classmates cope with his death.
Neighbors say they are still in shock.
"Tragic. Unbelievable. You know, it was heartfelt because it could easily have been anyone else," said Lena Johnson, neighbor.
Dolton police are investigating the gun, which was recovered from the home.
Meanwhile, gun control advocates say the death is a tragic reminder of the danger of not storing a gun properly in a house.
"What you might think you are doing in order to perhaps secure your home, oftentimes ends in a tragedy that you never would have envisioned happening," said Tom Mannard, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.
Kyree Davis' 11-year-old brother also attends Harriet Tubman School. The superintendent says that social workers will be there for as long as they are needed.
