Eagle Lake, TX — An 18-year-old student at Rice Consolidated High School was tragically killed in an accidental shooting at his home Friday evening, April 11, according to the Eagle Lake Police Department.

The victim, identified as Josiah Cobia, was shot around 5 p.m. in a bedroom of the family’s residence located at 670 Donovan Street in Eagle Lake.

According to Police Chief Donald T. Chaney, the incident occurred when Cobia’s younger brother, whose name has not been released due to his age, accidentally discharged a firearm while showing it to his older brother.

The shot struck Cobia, who later succumbed to his injuries.

Chief Chaney emphasized that the incident appears to be a tragic accident, based on statements provided by family members who were present at the time. “It was an accident, and accidents happen,” Chaney said. “You have kids that get a hold of guns, and unfortunately, neither of them had any business with it. That’s something we’re going to look into.”

While no criminal charges are currently anticipated in connection to Cobia’s death, authorities have launched a separate investigation to determine how the firearm came into the boys’ possession.

Chief Chaney noted that the children’s mother was unaware a gun was in the home or accessible to her sons.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the gun discharged as a result of being dropped or due to another handling mishap.

Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s accessibility and the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal discharge.

Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available in the ongoing investigation.