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TUCSON - The tragic death of 10-year-old Anthony J. Wells who was a 5th grader at Peter Howell Elementary has left many who knew him in shock and disbelief.

"To end a child's life at that age is just something that is not what we call normal," said Principal Mary Ann Jackson.

According to Tucson Police detectives, on Tuesday night Anthony's mom and step-father left the house to pick up dinner. When they arrived back at the house they made a horrible discovery. They say Anthony had shot himself with his step-father's handgun.

"This 10-year-old boy found where the handgun was which was put away in the closet. The handgun was separated from the ammunition," said Sgt. Fabian Pacheco.

Teachers and faculty at Peter Howell Elementary are currently counseling students who are coping with the loss of a very special classmate.

"His friends they loved him, they were writing the letters and I could really tell how they felt personally about Anthony," said Jackson.

In a statement Anthony's father said, "Anthony J. Wells was a very gifted and talented 10-year-old boy, who loved to try new things. Loved his life and gave his all on what he set his mind to do."

Again, police say they believe this was accidental and a horrible tragedy, but are still investigating.