Police are still investigating the tragic death of an Edmonson County toddler after she was fatally shot earlier this week.

Police have temporarily declared the shooting death of two-year-old Keely Mattingly accidental, pending the results of the full investigation. Mattingly died Sunday, December 13 following a shooting at her home on Jock Road, in Edmonson County.

She was the daughter of Meagan Mattingly of Edmonson County and Clay Leverone of Grayson County.

According to a report from the Kentucky State Police, when emergency officials arrived at the home around 5 p.m., they found the child had suffered a single gunshot wound to her head.

The child was taken to the Bowling Green Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Although the investigation is ongoing by the KSP the incident is being ruled an accident.

“No criminal action is being taken at this time and it is still believed that this was an accident and nothing more,” said KSP Detective Tim Adams.

Police are awaiting results from the autopsy that was performed in Louisville.

“The lab results and other results may take up to six weeks to be completed,” said Adams.

“We could only hope this tragic shooting death could have been prevented if more extensive gun safety recommendations had been followed,” said Grayson County Sheriff Rick Clemons.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this family over this tragic loss,” he said. “ It is a real tragedy that Keely died.”

“If you are a gun owner, it is recommended you never leave the weapon unattended,” he added. “Furthermore, never clean a weapon indoors.”

“We all too often hear of cases where children die because they found a gun that somebody forgot about or was left unattended,” Clemons continued. “By following some simple precautions, you can protect your family from tragedy.”

According to federal statistics from the National Rifle Association, there are guns in approximately half of all U.S. households.

Even if no one in the family owns a gun, chances are that a friend or neighbor does.

A child could come in contact with a gun at a neighbor's house, when playing with friends, or under other circumstances outside the child’s home.

It is critical for children to know what to do if he or she encounters a firearm anywhere, and it is the parents' responsibility to provide that training.

Parents play a key role in developing safe practices and are ultimately responsible for the behavior and safety of their children. Because isolated lessons and concepts can be quickly forgotten, repetition will help children remember standard safety procedures.

There is no particular age to talk with a child about gun safety. A good time to introduce the subject is the first time he or she shows an interest in firearms, even toy pistols or rifles. Talking openly and honestly about gun safety with your child is usually more effective than just ordering him or her to "Stay out of the gun closet," and leaving it at that.

For a complete of safety rules visit the NRA’s website at NRAHQ.org

For a complete of safety rules visit the NRA’s website at NRAHQ.org