A young boy was killed in a New Year's Day shooting in western Jefferson County.

Jefferson County sheriff's authorities said the shooting happened just after 6 p.m. at a home in the 6400 block of William Drive in Concord and appears to be accidental.

Sgt. Jack Self said deputies arrived on the scene to find the 7-year-old had been shot. The child was taken to the hospital with critical injuries and pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The preliminary investigation shows the boy was in a bedroom handling the gun when it discharged and struck him. No additional details have been released.

The investigation is ongoing. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young victim as they face the difficult days ahead,'' Self said.