PEOLI — Sheriff's deputies are investigating a shooting Wednesday afternoon that claimed the life of a 15-year-old Washington Township boy.

Authorities believe the shooting was accidental.

According to Tuscarawas County Sheriff Orvis Campbell, police received a 911 call at 3:32 p.m. about the incident, which occurred at 16978 Horseshoe Bend East Road SE, about a mile and a half west of Peoli.

A 12-year-boy was in a barn at the residence, playing with a .20-gauge shotgun that had been left in the barn for several days, the sheriff said. His 15-year-old brother came into the barn, startling the 12-year-old boy. The gun went off, hitting the 15-year-old in the chest. He died at the scene.

Another brother called 911 about the incident.