An investigation is Sterling Prestonunderway after homicide detectives say a 2-year-old girl apparently shot herself inside her family's Virginia coastal home this week.

The shooting, which officials say appears to be accidental in nature, took place in the city of Hampton, about 30 miles north of Virginia Beach.

According to the Hampton Police Department, just after 1 p.m. on Tuesday Dec. 12, officers responded to a 911 call at a home and found the child suffering from a single gunshot wound.

2-year-old girl dies at hospital following accidental shooting

The 2-year-old girl was transported by paramedics to a local hospital where police said she died from her injury.

Police said a preliminary investigation revealed the child was inside the home when she "obtained a loaded firearm and accidently shot herself."

It was not immediately known who owned the firearm, how the child got ahold of it, or if charges were pending in the case.

The identity of the child has not been released by law enforcement.

The shooting remained under investigation Thursday by the department's Major Crime Unit, police said.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

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