Boy, 11, dies in brother's arms after being shot at public park

An 11-year-old boy died in his brother's arms after being shot at a public park.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday, June 23 shortly after 2pm local time. Police officers responded to a report of gunfire at Folwell Park on Dowling Avenue North in Minneapolis. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle driving through the park and two other vehicles moving through the adjacent car park at around the same time of the shooting.

According to a Minneapolis Police press release shortly after a resident sitting on his porch near Morgan Avenue North and Dowling Avenue North heard cries for help. He discovered the boy suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound, along with two other males, outside his home.

The police statement added: "The resident placed the child and one of the males into his vehicle and began driving toward the hospital. On the way, he flagged down an officer near Penn and Dowling Avenues. The officer immediately removed the boy from the vehicle and initiated lifesaving efforts. Despite efforts by police,fire, and EMS personnel, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene."

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The victim has been tentatively identified by the county medical examiner as 11-year-old Amir Atkins, reports PEOPLE Magazine.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help his mother with funeral expenses. A message from Amir's uncle on the page read: "My sister has lost one of her babies. She will need help with any kind of support or resources." He went on to say: " We are devastated to announce the passing of our precious Mir Mir, who left this world far too young at just 11 years old.

"Yesterday, in a moment of crisis, his older brother's love shone through as he carried Amir, seeking help. A compassionate stranger then stepped in to rush them to medical care, but despite their valiant efforts, Amir could not be saved.

"Amir was a beacon of light in our lives – a joyful, loving child whose laughter filled our hearts. He had a unique spark that touched everyone he met, and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled."

The Minneapolis Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances and urges anyone with information to reach out.

Police Chief O’Hara said: “I cannot emphasize enough how terrible it is to have an 11-year-old boy shot and killed in the middle of the day. We need anyone with information to come forward so we can bring some sense of justice to this child’s family. We are following every lead, but we need the public’s help to solve this."

You can donate to the GoFundMe page by clicking here.