Boy Accidentally Shot by Father in Central Minnesota Dies

AITKIN, Minn. (AP) - Authorities say a 14-year-old boy has died after he was accidentally shot in the neck by his father in central Minnesota.

The Aitkin County Sheriff's Office says Dawson Vanportfliet of Aitkin died Thursday after being flown May 31 to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

The sheriff's office says his father, 37-year-old Dennis Vanportfliet, was cleaning a pistol when it fired, hitting the boy.

Authorities say the shooting "is believed to be an unintentional discharge," but it remains under investigation.

Dawson was finishing up eighth grade at Aitkin High School. He was a Boy Scout and participated in martial arts.