A teenage boy accidentally shot in the neck by his father last week at a central Minnesota residence has died, authorities said.
Dawson Vanportfliet, 14, of Aitkin, died Thursday after being taken by air ambulance on May 31 to Hennepin County Medical Center, according to the Aitkin County Sheriff's Office.
The gunshot wound was inflicted by his father, Dennis Vanportfliet, 37, the Sheriff's Office said.
The father was cleaning a pistol when it fired, hitting the boy. Resuscitation efforts were underway when emergency responders arrived. The firearm, a .40-caliber handgun, was recovered.
The shooting "is believed to be an unintentional discharge," the Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The incident remains under investigation to see whether charges might be filed.
Dawson was finishing the eighth grade at Aitkin High School. He was a Boy Scout and participated in martial arts.
Paul Walsh
