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Update: Since the report below, KSL News has learned that the gun involved in the accident was a real gun and not a prop pistol. - - - - - -
(KSL News) A teenager died after he was injured by a blank-firing prop pistol at a St. George high school while preparing for a play. Capt. Bruce Graham of the St. George Police Department said in a news release that Desert Hills High School in Bloomington Hills was preparing for the play "Oklahoma!" and students were setting up all the required props. Around 6:20, a loud noise was heard in the sound booth area above the stage.
Police say a 17-year-old boy apparently was holding a blank-firing prop pistol when it discharged. Graham told the Deseret News that even though prop pistols don't fire a projectile, they still emit energy.
The teen was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center. The Spectrum reports he died while medical personnel prepared to airlift him to another hospital.
Police continue to investigate the incident. The school canceled the showing of the play after the accident occurred.
