ADGER (AP) — Authorities say a teenage girl has been killed during a hunting accident in Alabama.

News outlets report the 15-year-old was shot Monday about 20 miles southwest of Birmingham.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies believe the girl and an adult family friend had been on a youth hunt. Authorities say the girl climbed down from a tree stand while they prepared to leave. As the friend passed down her rifle, deputies say the gun fired and struck the 15-year-old.

The teenager was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her identity was not immediately released.

Chief Deputy Randy Christian says the investigation indicates the shooting was a tragic accident.