- Bradley John Shockley was fatally shot by a high-powered air rifle on Monday
- The youth was riding a four-wheeler and entering an area where people were practicing target shooting when he was shot
- His devastated family mourns the loss of their 'ray of sunshine' just days before Christmas
An eight-year-old Arizona boy was killed days before Christmas after being accidentally shot in the chest at a training range.
Bradley John Shockley tragically died Monday afternoon after being fatally shot by a high-powered air rifle.
The youth was riding on the back of a quad bike with a friend when they entered an area they had to avoid because it was used for target practice.
He was struck by a .22 caliber bullet and taken to Benson Hospital, but died within an hour.
“It was a complete accident and he was tragically shot,” said his devastated mother Ella Scofield Fox 8.
Bradley John Shockley, 8, of St David, Arizona, was fatally shot by a high-powered air rifle on Monday
His mother and stepfather Ella and Ricky Scofield described their son's death as 'a complete accident'
The youngster, pictured with mother and stepfather, was riding on the back of a quad bike with a friend when they entered an area where people were practicing.
Heartbreakingly, she revealed the boy was excited about Christmas and had eagerly guessed what his presents might be.
“He kept looking at his presents,” Scofield said. 'He's not allowed to touch them, because if he shakes them he'll guess what they are. He's so smart.
“So he sat there looking at them and guessing what they were. We gave him a big box of books because he loved to read and he knew exactly what that gift was without even having to touch it.”
She said she harbored no ill will toward the people who shot, who are apparently “having a really hard time.”
'We let them know that we have no grudges against them, that we love them very much and that the children are still welcome if they want.
“We have to be strong and it's hard, but we're trying,” Scofield said.
She paid tribute to her beloved son, who loved reading, spaghetti and his little brother, Arlis.
a GoFundMe started for the family, also praised the young pigeon as 'a ray of sunshine and the best big brother'.
The loving big brother was struck by a 2-caliber bullet and taken to Benson Hospital, but died within an hour
His mother paid tribute to her 'smart' son and asked those attending a celebration of his life to wear bright colors at Friday's funeral
Bradley loved reading, his younger brother Arlis and spaghetti, which will be served after his funeral at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his native St. David
“He was always happy and smiling and just a great kid,” said family friend Tisha Luzadder.
Just days after Christmas, a celebration of life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his native St. David.
His mother asked those in attendance to wear any color except black because “Bradley loved all colors,” with his favorites being red, blue and green.
Spaghetti – the favorite meal of the young people – is also served in the church.
In the meantime, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation and will submit a report to the county attorney for review.