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Community helps family of child who shot himself at babysitter’s home

Posted at 11:27 AM, May 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-18 11:27:45-04

ORANGE COUNTY, Va. – Days after a four-year-old child fatally shot himself while he was at his babysitter's home, according to the Orange Sheriff’s Office, the community has raised nearly $20,000 to help his parents bury their child -- who they identified as Cole James Clark.

The sheriff’s office received a 911 call at approximately 12:45 p.m. reporting that a 4-year-old child had somehow gotten a hold of a gun and shot himself.

Emergency responders were unable to resuscitate Clark, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Stafford County Sheriff’s Office recruit also lives at the same residence, according to officials, but the recruit was not home at the time of the incident. The firearm involved in the shooting was not a service weapon, officials said.

Cole's family has set up a GoFundMe account to pay for their son's funeral expenses.

"Josh and I's son was the most lovable boy in this entire world," mother Kyrin Falcetti wrote. "He would say 1000000000000000000000000 times a day 'Daddy or Mommy, I love you' Just because. There is so much I could say about this little boy, this bio would be never ending."

"If you have a weapon, gun safety," father Josh Falcetti told WRC-TV. "It's something that they teach for any person that gets a weapon. Keep it secure. There's no reason a child should be within reach of any type of weapon whatsoever at any point in time."

Neighbor Susan Marsee said she can't help but hold on a little bit tighter to her own four-year-old son.

"I was real sad to hear… when I saw it today… you know… that it was a little boy," said Marsee. "It brought me to tears because I have a son the same age."

Investigators are not releasing the details of what led up to the tragic event citing an ongoing investigation.

An autopsy is being conducted. No further information will be released until the investigation is complete, according to officials from the Orange Sheriff's Office.

The GoFundMe account has raised nearly $20,000 by Thursday afternoon.

Kyrin Falcetti announced Cole's funeral will take place Sunday, May 21.

"We are so thankful for the overwhelming love and support you all are giving our son," she wrote. "I know my son is looking down right now giving everyone of you his big bright smile. As I sit here and type, tears are rolling down my face. My baby boy is so special and he knows he is. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your donations for my son are so helpful and appreciated."

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