LIVINGSTON- A toddler in Livingston Parish is dead after finding a firearm and accidentally shooting himself in the head, authorities say.

The incident happened around 10 a.m. Monday in the 18000 block of Murphy Estate Lane in Livingston. According to the sheriff's office, the child found the handgun on a counter inside the home and accidentally fired it.

"During our preliminary investigation, we learned that a handgun was on a counter in the home. It’s believed the child, using a stool, was able to grab the gun - which then fired a single shot," Sheriff Jason Ard said.

Those who live nearby are shocked and saddened to hear this.

"I have a five-year-old boy at home, and I can't imagine the pain they're going through and the suffering they're going through," said Brittany Wells.

"That made my heart drop, it made me want to go home and play with my little boy right now," added Ricky Logson. "He's two and a half and I'm going to go hug him, fry some fish and play with him."

No charges have been filed at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.