Teen mourned after fatal accidental shooting

CUTLER BAY, Fla. (WSVN) -- Family and friends are mourning the loss of a high school freshman who died after a gun accidentally went off.

"It still doesn't seem real yet. I don't think we've gone that far to think of the next step. It's not supposed to happen. This has to be the hardest day of my life so far," said Tim Meerbott. In tears over the tragic news, Meerbot will soon bury his niece.

According to Miami-Dade Police, 14-year-old Samantha Jo Meerbott died of a single bullet to the stomach Sunday night.

Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the shooting at a home at 9541 Holiday Road around 6:30 p.m. According to police, the teen was visiting a friend at the house when she was shot. "He didn't get into details as far as whether he was cleaning it, putting it away, in which process he was in," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta said about the shooter, "but they did mention that he as handling the gun and that perhaps it may have accidentally discharged, striking the teenager."

She attended class at Southridge Sr. High School where one teacher, Paul Lobeck, had only positive things to say about her. "It's always the good ones. She had such a bright future," he said. "She was a great student. The teachers really enjoyed having her here. She never caused any problems. She comes from a wonderful family, and why does it have to happen to a young lady like that? It's really heartbreaking."

Steven Gonzalez, a student at the school could not believe the news when he came to school Monday morning. "I was pretty shocked cause she got shot," he said.

Rescuers airlifted Meerbott to Miami Children's Hospital. After several hours in surgery, she died at 2 a.m. Family and friends are grieving over her death. "Sammy was loved by many, and brought love and joy to many. She will be deeply missed," said Meerbot.

Police are still investigating what occurred and no arrests have been made at this time.

Now, students are preparing to hold a special performance at the school Wednesday night at 7 p.m. with all proceeds going to the Meerbott family.

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