The teen victim, identified as Quolee Jackson, had suffered a gunshot wound to his chest and was unconscious as his parents were attempting to drive him to a nearby hospital.
Deputies immediately began to render lifesaving measures until EMS arrived and transported the victim to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, OCSO reported. Jackson was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly before midnight.
With assistance from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, OCSO deputies searched for evidence and witnesses overnight and continued their investigation into Tuesday. Our investigators are working relentlessly, Sheriff Eric Aden said in the news release. Aden also asked that the community show compassion amid the tragic incident and come together to bring more information to light.