ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING KILLS JACKSON STUDENT

FRUITLAND, Mo. -- A 16-year-old Jackson High School student died from an accidental shooting Friday night at a friend's home following a session of target practice with a semi-automatic handgun.

Killed was Nicholas James Hendrix of Jackson. The incident occurred at 8:20 p.m. at 3090 State Highway FF in Fruitland.

Authorities said Hendrix was one of four teen-agers who had been target shooting outside the rural home. They had just come back into the home when the accident occurred, Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan said.

The juveniles, ages 15 and 16, mistakenly believed the handgun was unloaded when they entered the house, the sheriff said.

One of the teen-agers was handling the gun when it discharged, striking Hendrix in the head.

Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Carpenter said Hendrix was within two feet of the gun when it went off.

Hendrix's friends tried to render first aid and called 911 for an ambulance. Carpenter said Hendrix died at the scene.

The coroner said the teen-agers weren't drinking prior to the accident.

Carpenter said the incident was the first fatal accidental shooting in the county this year.

The coroner said the tragic incident underscores the need for people to always handle guns as if they are loaded.

Hendrix's cousin, Chris Hendrix of Sedgewickville said Saturday that the handgun wasn't his cousin's.

Chris Hendrix last saw "Nick" Friday morning when they got together to play video games.

"He was funny," Chris Hendrix said of his cousin. "He could act stupid and make everybody laugh."

Chris Hendrix said his cousin liked the "Star Wars" movies.

He was a member of the Jackson High School Drama Club and the First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. He was involved with the youth group at his church. He was an avid bowler, winning a number of Youth League tournaments.

Visitation is scheduled for 4-8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.