KAYSVILLE, Utah – A community was in mourning Monday following the death of a 12-year-old girl.
Adelaide Clinger was accidentally shot and killed insider her Kaysville home on Cooper Street Sunday afternoon.
For family and friends, she was known as Addy. From the street she lived on, to the school she attended, the sadness of her death touched everyone.
“I think everyone who knows the family, who sees the story, their heart goes out to them and they wonder, how are they coping,” said Chris Williams, spokesman for the Davis School District.
The school district had a team of counselors at Centennial Junior High Monday. That’s the school Addy attended, and in remembrance, many of the students wore their Sunday best.
“There are some people out here who thought we not only wanted to honor her in the demeanor we express today, but also the way we dress,” Williams said.
"It's really sad that she passed on, I feel bad for the family I hope they are going to be ok this week even when it's Thanksgiving this week,” said student Nick Shepherd.
Neighbors have shown their support by tying ribbons outside their homes.
“We just want to tell this family that we love them and we’re here for them,” said neighbor Steve Farns.
Police say Addy was not in possession of the gun at the time of the shooting. They would not say who accidentally fired it or who was home at the time. The investigation remains ongoing and the parents do face possible charges.
“The parents are the biggest key to making sure something like this doesn’t happen,” said Cambree Applegate, of Safe Kids Utah.
According to Safe Kids Utah, between 2009 and 2013 less than one percent of all firearms deaths have occurred due to accident.
“Luckily it’s not something that happens very often but anytime something like this happens it’s too many times,” Applegate said.
Safe Kids Utah says there are several ways to protect your family.
“Making sure the guns are locked up and there are locks on the guns, storing ammunition separately from the guns, up out of the way out of sight in a secure location,” said Applegate.
Safe Kids Utah also says it’s important to talk with your kids about guns.
“Talk about if you do see a gun not touching it and to let an adult know,” Applegate said.
A memorial fund has been set up to help the family cover funeral expenses here.
