GUILFORD – An accidental shooting in the Town of Guilford claimed the life of a 16-year-old on Friday morning, according to New York State Police.

Police pronounced Brandon Palmatier, 16, of Guilford dead at the scene at a residence on County Route 35 in Guilford on Friday after Palmatier was accidentally shot by another 16-year-old male.

Police say the other 16-year-old male was unaware that the firearm was loaded, leading to its mishandling and subsequent misfiring. Southern Tier Spectrum News reported the firearm was a .22 caliber hunting rifle.