Hopkinsville authorities are investigating the accidental death of a 14-year-old male juvenile that occurred Saturday evening.
Christian County Deputy Coroner Mike Stokes confirmed the identity of the juvenile as Elijah “E.J.” Austin, who is a 14-year-old freshman at Hopkinsville High School. Police and EMS were called to the Beaumont Court residence shortly after 5pm. Stokes said Austin died of an accidental self-inflicted gun-shot wound. His body will be taken to Louisville for an autopsy to determine an official cause of death. Stokes said no foul play was suspected.
The Hopkinsville High football team will meet together as a group Sunday afternoon, according to their Twitter account.
Austin was a freshman member of the Hopkinsville football team and was expected to be active in other sports at HHS. He proved himself ready for varsity football as a freshman, tallying 21 tackles and three interceptions from his defensive back position.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.
Austin’s death comes two years after the accidental death of another Tiger football player, Jay’Von Quarles, who was killed before a 2015 practice when he was struck by a practice apparatus at the high school.