Pennsylvania teen once hailed as hero killed by accidental gunshot, police say:

Collingdale, Pa. — A Delaware County teen hailed as a hero final winter for saving two youngsters who fell into an icy pond was by accident shot and killed over the weekend, CBS Philadelphia’s Alicia Stewart reviews.

Final March, Anthony Alexander Jr. was honored for his bravery.

On Tuesday evening, his household was planning his funeral. 

Police say Anthony, 17, was watching the Philadelphia Eagles playoff recreation inside a house Sunday evening with pals. One of many pals had a gun and was taking part in with it. It by accident fired, hanging Anthony, police say. 

“A tragic, tragic scenario. A 17-year-old boy misplaced his life,” Higher Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt stated.  

Anthony died Sunday evening from a single gunshot wound to the top, authorities stated.

Bernhardt stated a 16-year-old turned himself in for by accident firing the handgun. In response to the prison affidavit, the shooter did not notice the weapon was loaded.

“We’re seeing increasingly youngsters with handguns, firing handguns,” Bernhardt stated, “and what we’re discovering with our investigations — it is pushed by social media.”

CBS Philadelphia first met Anthony final February. The Collingdale teen was at a park with pals when three youngsters fell into an icy pond.

“He reached his arm out. his arm was near my hand, so I simply pulled him out and the opposite lady drifted over and I pulled her out,” Anthony instructed the station on the time. 

The third little one was rescued by a responding officer. 

Two weeks later, Anthony was honored for his bravery by the Collingdale Borough Council. 

Anthony was set to obtain a medal for his heroism in Washington D.C. in March.

CBS Philadelphia has realized his father will now go in his place.