UPDATED: 7:05 p.m.
Pemberton Township Police were dispatched to a home on Maricopa Trail in Browns Mills Friday at about 7 p.m. Burlington County prosecutor Scott Coffina said once they arrived, they found four-year-old Lincoln Mack, who was shot in the cheek.
Mack's parents and two siblings were at home at the time of the shooting. The evidence indicated the shooting was accidental.
"Our hearts are with Lincoln’s family in the wake of this unspeakable tragedy," Coffina said. "However, an accident like this is entirely preventable. I urge everyone who owns a gun to go - right now - and make sure it is secure and not accessible to any children in their home."
Coffina said authorities rushed Mack to Capital Health Emergency Department at Deborah Hospital, where he was pronounced dead an hour later.
Police said the boy gained access to an unsecured handgun in the home. The investigation is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time.