By Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com
A high school sophomore from Alabama has been killed during a hunting accident in Alabama.
Alyssa Scott, 15, of Oak Grove, was fatally shot Monday evening about 20 miles southwest of Birmingham. Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies say Scott and an adult family friend had been on a youth hunt in the area of Valley Ford Road and Bufford Road, north of Adger.
Scott was a sophomore at Oak Grove High School and a member of the school’s marching band and drum line. According to a post on the friend’s Facebook page, she and Scott were hoping to kill a buck on Monday. The woman also shared photos from the hunting trip showing the 15-year-old in a camouflage getup and a bright-orange hat with a flashlight, holding in her hands what appears to be a black rifle equipped with a scope.
Authorities say the girl climbed down from a tree stand while the pair prepared to leave at around 5pm. As the friend passed down her rifle, deputies say the gun fired and struck Scott. The teenager was taken to UAB Medical West, where she was pronounced dead just over an hour later.
Chief Deputy Randy Christian says the investigation indicates the shooting was a tragic accident. Officials say as the friend passed down her rifle, the gun fired and struck Scott.
‘She was a great young lady,’ Oak Grove Principal Pam Dennis told Al.com. ‘She was a big member of the band. Positive, fun-loving supportive student.
Dennis added: ‘She lived life to the fullest. She always put other before herself. She was happy all of the time. She loved to make people laugh.’
Scott death’s came less than a week after the passing of her grandmother, who was 79 years old, according to her obituary.