15-year-old who was airlifted to hospital after being shot dies, Harris County sheriff says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 15-year-old who was airlifted to the hospital Thursday morning after being shot in west Harris County has died, deputies confirmed.

He was only two days shy of his 16th birthday, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

The shooting happened just before 7 a.m. in the 7000 block of Pavilion Drive.

Gonzalez said the teen was leaving his home near Bellaire and Highway 6 when he met with a group of male teenagers.

"There was some type of transaction, most likely an illicit transaction. The assumption is narcotics related, but it could have been for product or something else," said Gonzalez.

Then, an altercation ensued and shots were fired at the 15-year-old.

Gonzalez said the suspects drove off in a black four-door sedan, but no description of the teens was provided.

Life Flight first responders used the ground at a nearby high school as a landing zone. The teen was airlifted to the hospital, where Gonzalez said he later died from several gunshot wounds.

"It's a shame. It's not even seven in the morning and people are already shooting and killing one another," Gonzalez said.

Deputies were working to interview neighbors for more information.

Initial reports from deputies stated the victim was 16 years old.

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