UPDATED 9:00 a.m. Oct. 16, 2012: A man who was shot in the face by his older brother during a pig slaughter over the weekend has died. The Sacramento County Coroner’s website identifies the victim as 28-year-old Koua Vang.

ELK GROVE (CBS13) – It started as a pig slaughter and ended with a man getting shot in the face by his older brother.

Investigators say the pig bucked and the rifle went off.

Police say the brothers were trying to slaughter the pig for a party, but instead of enjoying that family party, the family is gathering to support each other as they pray for their loved one.

“The sirens were going really loud and fast,” neighbor Maryann Cima said.

Neighbors wouldn’t have ever guessed what officers say happened at the rural Elk Grove home in the 8400 block of Kinder Lane.

“It’s very sad,” said one family member.

This family member didn’t want to appear on camera, but says the family had been planning a family feast.

“A lot of family and cousins and relatives get together,” he said.

In order to prepare, two brothers at the home woke up early Saturday morning to slaughter one of their pigs, say police. The older brother had the .22 caliber rifle, while his younger brother, a man in his late 20s, stood by. When the older brother put the gun to the pig and fired, police say the pig bucked back.

“The pig bucked, and the rifle went backwards, and it went off again a second time,” said Officer Chris Trim.

The second shot would hit the younger brother directly in the face.

“I heard it’s real bad,” the family member said.

In fact, police say the man is now in critical condition at a local hospital. Despite the bizarre story, police say it checks out.

“Talking to numerous witnesses, but at this point, it does not appear to be an intentional act,” said Trim.

“I’m 100 percent positive this is an accident,” the family member said.

For the victim’s family, including his brother, the hope now is that he survives.

“He’s a great person,” the family member said. “Hopefully he gets better, and hopefully he makes it through.”

It’s also unclear just what happened to the pig, and if the slaughter was successful.

Police have not yet released the victim’s identity.