12-year-old Boy Scout dies from self-inflicted gunshot during camp out

MISSION BAY, Calif., June 30 (UPI) -- A 12-year-old Las Vegas boy is dead after shooting himself in the head at a Boy Scout camp in Mission Bay, California.

Police were called to the scene at roughly 7:35 a.m., police Officer Matt Tortorella told reporters. Although initially reported as a suicide, that cause has not been confirmed.

Paramedics were unable to revive the scout, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are interviewing scouts and leaders, among them the child's father.

It is unclear how the boy obtained the gun. His scout group does not have any shooting programs, and camp counselors confirmed there are no firearms on the premises, since its focus is aquatics.

"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."

"I would never expect that at a Scout camp," the grandparent of one of the boy's scout-mates said. "I would truly never expect a thing like that to happen."

Crisis counselors have been provided to adults and children present during the incident.