A Berea boy has died from what authorities are describing as a tragic accident in Estill County.
Estill County Coroner Jimmy Wise was called to the scene on Friday July 12, 2024, around 1:45 p.m. That is where 14-year-old Jett Ballard of Berea was discovered deceased, the result of a gunshot wound.
Sources close to the case tell WBON-TV9 that Ballard was visiting friends in Estill County. The boys were inside the home with a firearm, and Ballard was accidentally shot.
The young man was pronounced on the scene by the Estill County Coroner. His body has been sent to Frankfort to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy.
The accident occurred in the Red Lick area near the Madison County line on Clark Road in Estill County.
Ballard was an incoming freshman at Southern High School and a promising football athlete.
The Kentucky Middle School Football Association released this statement:
“We would like to take this time to send our prayers and deep condolences to the Ballard Family, Farristown Middle Football Program, the Madison Southern High School Football Program and Head Coach/KYMSFA Board Member Mark Payne on the tragic loss of Jett Ballard. Jett was a 2 year all-star classic player and he played on the Region 3 battle of the region teams during his middle school career.”
Fellow students, teachers, friends, and Southern’s Football Boosters have established a go fund me page to help the family with related expenses. The link is:
Kentucky State Police Post 7 is leading the investigation. Authorities say no foul play is suspected at this time.
WBON-TV9 is following developments in the case.
