- Bradley John Shockley was fatally shot by a high-powered air rifle on Monday
- The teen was riding a four-wheeler and drove into an area where people were practicing target shooting when he was shot
- His distraught family mourns the loss of their “ray of sunshine” just days before Christmas
An eight-year-old Arizona boy was killed just days before Christmas after he was accidentally shot in the chest at a target practice range.
Bradley John Shockley tragically died Monday afternoon after being fatally shot by a high-powered air rifle.
The teenager was riding on the back of a quad bike with a friend when they drove into an area they were told to avoid because it was being used for target practice.
He was struck by a .22-caliber bullet and taken to Benson Hospital, but died within an hour.
“It was a complete accident and he was tragically shot,” his devastated mother Ella Scofield told Fox 8.
Bradley John Shockley, 8, of St. David, Arizona, was fatally shot Monday by a high-powered air rifle
His mother and stepfather Ella and Ricky Scofield described their son's death as “a complete accident.”
The boy, pictured with his mother and stepfather, had been riding in the back of a quad bike with a friend when they drove into an area where people were doing target practice
Heartbreakingly, she revealed that the boy was looking forward to Christmas and was excited to see what his presents would be.
“He was constantly going over and looking at his presents,” Scofield said. “He can't touch them because if he shakes them he'll guess what they are.” He's so smart.
“So he sat there looking at them and trying to guess what they were.” “We gave him a big box of books because he loved reading and he knew exactly what the gift was without even touching it must.”
She said she had no ill will toward the people who did the shooting, who appeared to be “having a really hard time.”
“We let them know that we have no ill feelings towards them and that we love them very much and that the children are still welcome to come over if they want.”
“We have to be strong and it’s hard, but we’re trying,” Scofield said.
She paid tribute to her beloved son, who loved reading and spaghetti, and his little brother Arlis.
A GoFundMe started for the family also praised the little one as “a ray of sunshine and the best big brother.”
The doting big brother was hit by a 2-caliber bullet and taken to Benson Hospital, but died within an hour
His mother paid tribute to her “smart” son and urged those attending a celebration of his life to wear bright colors at Friday's funeral
Bradley loved reading, his younger brother Arlis and spaghetti, which is served after his funeral at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his hometown of St. David
“He was always happy and smiling and just an all-around great kid,” said family friend Tisha Luzadder.
Just days after Christmas, a celebration of life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his hometown of St. David.
His mother asked visitors to wear all colors except black because “Bradley loved all colors,” with his favorites being red, blue and green.
Spaghetti – the young people’s favorite food – is also served in the church.
In the meantime, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation and will submit a report to the District Attorney for review.