A Moneta teenager has died after being shot in the chest with a rifle, according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Office.

In a news release issued tonight, Maj. Ricky Gardner said deputies were called to the 3800 block of Saunders Grove Drive just before 5:30 p.m. They found a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was airlifted to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he later died.

Gardner said investigators believe the victim's younger brother is the person who fired the shot. They said the shooting appears to be accidental but are continuing to investigate. It was unclear where the shooting occurred.

The victim's sister, who is 16, was in the house at the time of the incident.

The sheriff's office is not releasing the names of the juveniles involved.