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Osceola County, FL - Authorities are investigating after a 2-year-old child was fatally shot during a family vacation at a short term rental home in Central Florida.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened Sunday afternoon at an Airbnb property in Kissimmee.
Investigators said the family had traveled from Georgia to celebrate the toddler's upcoming birthday and had just arrived at the rental when the incident occurred.
Deputies said the 2-year-old remained inside a vehicle while relatives unloaded their belongings.
During that time, a 4-year-old family member reportedly entered the vehicle and discovered an unsecured handgun.
Investigators said the child handled the firearm, and a shot was fired, striking the 2-year-old.
Emergency responders transported the toddler to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where the child later died from the injury.
The sheriff's office said the handgun was not secured or stored in a holster at the time of the shooting.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are working with the State Attorney's Office to determine whether any criminal charges are appropriate.
The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Medical Examiner's Office are also involved in the investigation.
Authorities have not announced any arrests.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office is reminding gun owners to securely store firearms, particularly when children are present, by using safes, locking devices or other secure storage methods to help reduce the risk of accidental shootings involving young children.