Elijah ’EJ’ Austin, 14, died from a gunshot wound in October 2017 while at a relative’s home on Beaumont Court in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Authorities described the shooting as accidental and possibly self-inflicted. Deputies and emergency services were called shortly after 5 p.m., and the Christian County Deputy Coroner confirmed Austin’s identity and said no foul play was suspected. An autopsy was scheduled in Louisville to determine the official cause of death.

Austin was a freshman at Hopkinsville High School and a member of the freshman football team. Coaches and the school principal remembered him as a talented, well-liked athlete; reports say he had shown promise in football and baseball and was already receiving scholarship attention as an eighth grader. No arrests or suspects have been reported in connection with the incident.

If anyone was at the Beaumont Court residence that afternoon or has information about what happened, please share what is known.