14-Year-Old Kansas Runaway Fatally Shoots Herself in Front of Deputy After Refusing to Return Home

Jaylee Chillson, a teenage runaway, fatally shot herself in front of a local deputy, after the sheriff wanted to take her home

A 14-year-old girl fatally shot herself in front of a local deputy sheriff, on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 16.

Jaylee Chillson was attending an outdoor party in Aurora, Kansas, after she ran away from her home earlier that day.

The Cloud County Sheriff’s Office received the call that the girl had run away, and the deputy then tracked her down in an attempt to return her home, reports KAKE-TV News.

Once the deputy got a hold of the girl, he tried to convince her to return home, but she then drew a firearm and fatally shot herself.

"A deputy responded to the outdoor field party that was attended by college and high school students, occurring near 210th R. and Lark Rd. in Aurora," the Cloud County Sheriff Department said in a press release.

Once the deputy located Chillson, “He escorted her to his patrol vehicle,” the department explained. Then, “she pulled out a firearm and shot herself. The deputy did not draw his firearm," their statement continued.

The girl was pronounced dead at the scene just after midnight, despite the life-saving measures taken by the deputy and an off-duty firefighter.

Related: Father Recalls Losing Son, 15, in Accidental Shooting at Sleepover: 'I Begged God Not to Take Him'

In addition to the deputy witnessing Chillson’s death, multiple party attendees witnessed the incident.

The Cloud County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which was asked to conduct a death investigation that will "ensure impartiality since their deputy was present during the shooting."

Related: Dog Shoots and Kills His Owner, 32, in Freak Hunting Accident, Kansas Authorities Say

Chillson was born in Manhattan, Kansas, according to her obituary. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting, and softball was "another favorite activity" for her. Chillson also enjoyed riding with her father in a semi-truck and hoped to be a diesel mechanic. She is survived by her parents, four brothers, and four grandparents.

A GoFundMe page was set up earlier this week to raise funds for Chillson’s funeral service.

“Your contribution, no matter how small, will ease their financial burden and let them focus on healing after this devastating loss," the GoFundMe page reads. "Please donate today to help this grieving family. Your kindness will help them through this heart-wrenching journey and honor Jaylee's memory.”

The Cloud County Sheriff's office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

For more information on safe firearm storage and the most effective ways to protect children from unsecured firearms, visit BeSMARTforkids.org.

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