File photo Zach Cotton remains in critical but stable condition after being accidentally shot in the head Saturday night. His father said he has a lot of healing to do, but is expected to recover.

An Anderson County man remains in critical but stable condition tonight following what police are calling an accidental shooting Friday night at 1314 Alton Station Road.

Zach Cotton, 24, an animal control officer with Anderson County government, was with friends when another person’s gun discharged and struck him in the head.

Sheriff Joe Milam said today that his office is investigating the incident.

“This appears to be an accidental shooting,” Milam said earlier this afternoon. “There doesn’t appear to be any foul play.”

Milam said another person at the location was apparently cleaning a 9 mm Smith & Wesson handgun when it discharged, hitting Cotton.

Cotton was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center after being treated by Anderson County EMS.

His father, Noel, said he is expected to recover but has a lot of healing to do.

“It shattered his jawbone,” Noel Cotton said. “They have him resting and will re-evaluate him in a couple of days to see if he needs surgery.”

Noel Cotton said his family has received a tremendous number of calls from those concerned about his son.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “A lot of people have called and stop by to pray.

“We’re OK, we just ask that people keep Zach in their prayers.”