Deputy Sheriffs said that the boy had loaded a single shot, .22 caliber rifle and laid it on his bed. A 10-year-old visitor picked up the gun. It discharged, authorities said. The bullet struck the Currie boy over the right eye.
County Medical Examiner Dr. Arthur P. Reynolds attributed the cause of death to an accidental gunshot wound.
The victim is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Currie. The mishap occurred shortly after 5 o'clock.
Chief Deputy Sheriff Perry K. Carmichael was assisted in his investigation by Deputies Edward Green and Don De Long.