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Police say a 10-year-old Boy Scout died in what appears to be an accidental hanging.

According to the Huntsville Times, AJ Underwood of Oneonta, Ala., had been trying to earn his merit badge for knot tying. That was the rope used in the accidental hanging, said Oneonta Police Chief James Chapman.

“There’s absolutely nothing to indicate he did this on purpose,” Chapman told the Huntsville Times. “He had been in good spirits, he was making good grades.”

The accident happened at the family’s home at about 5 p.m. Friday. AJ lived with his mother and three younger sisters. They were getting ready for a birthday party, but when AJ’s mother called out to him that it was time to leave he didn’t respond.

The Huntsville Times reports that when she went into his room, she found him hanging from a rope tied to his top bunk bed.

He was later pronounced dead at an area hospital, but authorities believe his death was instant.

Family and friends have set up a fund to help with AJ’s burial expenses.

You can make a donation here.