FARMINGTON — A 16-old-year boy video-chatting with a friend Monday afternoon accidentally shot and killed himself with a handgun at his home in New Sharon, Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. confirmed Wednesday.

It was initially reported as a medical emergency but later it was learned there was a firearm involved, he said.

Deputy Tyler Gray, Detective Kenneth Charles and Detective Lt. David St. Laurent responded to the report of an unattended death on the Industry Road. NorthStar EMS ambulance personnel also responded.

The teenager was an honor roll student at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington.

The friend who was chatting with the boy noticed something was not right during the interaction. The friend and their father went to the home and found the boy deceased, Nichols said.

The gun was owned by a family member and reported to be unloaded and kept in the family member’s closet along with a second gun, the sheriff said.

It was a horrific accident, Nichols said.

There are no charges pending as a result of the investigation.

The sheriff and his staff expressed their sincere condolences to the family, he said.

Regional School Unit 9 Superintendent Tina Meserve said support is available for students and staff. An email was sent to parents of high school students Wednesday morning. The high school was open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and will be again during those hours Thursday. There is also support being offered via Zoom internet service, she said.

If students, parents and staff choose to come to the high school, they are asked to social distance and wear masks.