Michael Bayless Fatally Shot By 3-Year-Old Son With .45 Caliber Handgun: Indiana Police

A father in Indiana is dead after his 3-year-old son shot and killed him with a .45 caliber handgun, the Associated Press reports.

Michael Bayless, 33, was watching TV when his son gained access to the weapon and accidentally fired it, according to a local ABC outlet. Bayless was pronounced dead on the scene.

No one else was injured.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Jerry Goodin suspects no foul play.

"We think that this is purely a tragic accident that happened," the officer told WLBT.

Neighbors in Salem are devastated at the turn of events. Bill Smith, the owner of a nearby general store, called the incident "a sad day in a nice family's life."

Police will continue to investigate why the weapon was within reach of a 3-year-old.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article read that the child "accidentally fired shots," indicating more than one. We regret the error.