A child was killed by an accidental self-inflicted gunshot in Otter Tail County on Sunday, Dec. 29, according to a press release from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.

First responders were notified of the incident in Oak Valley Township at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29. The child was then transported to Astera Health in Wadena.

The death was officially announced the morning of Monday. Dec. 30. by the Sheriff’s Office. 

A GoFundMe fundraiser titled, “Help Celebrate Rudy’s Bright Young Life” was  organized by Megan Agnew on Monday morning on behalf of Kaitlin Sweere.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, the fundraising goal of $15,000 had nearly been met. More than $13,000 has been raised by 193 donations. totaling $9,480, exceeding the fundraising site’s stated goal to raise $8,000, according to the GoFundMe page. For more information and to donate to the cause visit: gofund.me/463049cb/

According to the post, a funeral service celebrating the life of Rudy Sweere, son of Josh and Kaitlin Sweere of Wadena, was held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Family Life Church in Verndale with Pastor Amos Self presiding. Visitation was held at the church on Saturday 90 minutes prior to the service. A private burial will be held at a later date in Green Lawn Cemetery in Verndale.

The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the New York Mills Police Department, Deer Creek Fire and Rescue and Wadena Ambulance. The incident remains under investigation.