Teen Is Killed In Shooting

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Posted: 4:55 PM Dec 1, 2008
Last Updated: 7:28 PM Dec 1, 2008
Reporter: Angela Sparkman
Email Address: angela.sparkman@wymtnews.com

35 comments

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A teenager is dead and a death investigation is underway.

State police say 16-year-old Ray Rice of Pike County died after a shooting at his home near Belfry.

Investigators say it appears another teen shot him early Sunday morning.

Police are still investigating and are not ruling anything out, while they try to figure out what caused to the shooting and exactly how it happened.

Meanwhile, students and teachers at Belfry High School are remembering the teen.

Belfry High School students and teachers say sophomore Ray Rice could make anyone laugh.

“Tremendous personality, the type of kid that knew everybody and everybody joked with him,” Michael Hagy, Rice’s teacher, said.

“Just a pleasure to be around. One of those young people who seemed to enjoy life,” Belfry High School Principal, Rod Varney said.

The 16 year old's life was cut short.

Police say it appears Rice and three friends were getting ready for a hunting trip early Sunday morning.

Investigators say one of the boys claims something happened, causing one of the rifles to fire.

The shot hit Rice and killed him.

Students are writing notes on a memorial in the hallway.

Teachers and counselors are helping them cope.

They will remember Rice for his smile and jokes.

The names of the other teens involved are not being released because they are juveniles.

Funeral services for Rice will be held later this week.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: a friend Location: mccarr on Dec 10, 2008 at 12:26 AM
I have been hearing that rays death was planned, i knew ray and he would have NEVER sit there and tell someone else to take his life. Ray was a great person he always wanted to make people smile he was always cracking jokes,chewing,and wearing his camo. for those of you who never met ray you r missing out his was...well...the best person i have and will ever meet. and to the person who wrote on rays board that he deserved to die... i have 3 words 4 u...GET A LIFE!nobody deserves to die the way ray did ray always found something good in everyone but lord konws he wouldnt like u Ray was one of those people who changed your life i know he changed mine I dont care who u r or wat u say but when it comes to a friend and you say something as low as that you better hope i never find out who did write that because im not one to let someone talk about one of my friends especially when they are not here to defend theirselfs RAYRAY WE ALL LOVE AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH YOUR FAM IS IN OUR PRAYRS

Posted by: anonomous Location: sidney on Dec 7, 2008 at 01:13 AM
This was no accident,the boy that shot Ray put the gun to his head took the safety off and pulled the trigger.The boy that shot Ray had put guns to several other teens at various other times and was turned lose by his grandparents to do what ever he wanted and was never disaplined,i agree that he had been through some stuff in his life but it does not give him the right to take another persons life and get away with it ,if he does what will he do next? Ray was not killed at his own residence,he was murdered at that boys house,please take time to talk to the family and get the story right before getting half truths from the people who are trying to cover up for the person who took the life of a very loving,caring,funny,wonderful person.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: ky on Dec 5, 2008 at 06:49 AM
I've heard that the guy that "supposidly" shot Ray killed himself... but he actually didn't. The boy lost his father and he's going through mental breakdowns because he lost his friend. He has been taken to the hospital for it, but I know for a fact he hasn't killed himself.

Posted by: darrell on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:17 AM
man ray we gon miss u and u always loved ur skoal and tapout n camo and always showin off them arms! we love ya ray!

Posted by: Someone Location: Pikeville, KY on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:08 PM
My heart goes out to all. But especially to the young man that accidentally shot Ray. He has been through alot this past couple years with his dad dying and everything! Please before you assume that it was "not accidental" get the facts and everything straight. I personally have met this young man and he is a good boy and would never intentionally have done this. My thoughts and prayers with all families involved!

Posted by: Stacey Location: belfry on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:51 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAYRAY WE MISS YOU

Posted by: Robin Location: Johnson County on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:13 AM
Prayers goes out to this family and for the young man that i'm sure accidentally pulled the trigger, only God knows what him and this boys family must be going through.

Posted by: Ashley Maynard Location: Belfry on Dec 3, 2008 at 03:44 AM
Ray-Ray i will always miss you and love you,thanks for always making me smile when no one else could,i'll be praying for your family. i'll see you in heaven one day,I LOVE YOU RAY<3

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Pike County on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:21 PM
TO JAMES: Just so you know the young man that supposedly shot Ray, has been dealing with the DEATH of his father. So, before you type something so uncaring and so tasteless, please investigate. This community and these young adults are very upset over the loss of their friend, brother,son,uncle, classmate, and fellow employee. Prayers are needed to help ease the pain that the family is enduring. Comments of such stupidity should not even be posted. Please pray that god will wrap his arms around this community and family so that they can handle not only the next couple of days but the remainder of their lives without their special loved one. God bless you all and prayers are with you!

Posted by: james Location: east ky on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:28 PM
everybody wants strict gun laws.I say adult supervision is the problem,accountability, and being resposible is the key to safe children and weapons.But when the parents dont care,accidents happen!, Proud Father,and Gun owner.

Posted by: Doug Location: London on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Accident or not, Mr Jim, guns do not kill people. People kill people. This most likly was an accident due to the fact that there was more people around, but the fact is that somewhere along the way someone made a mistake with a loaded gun. The only gun control needed here was proper handling of a loaded weapon. I have been aroud guns my whole life(39 years)and have never had a problem because the people I hunt with knows how to handle guns. My prayers go out to this family. NO words can replace this young man. To all, please take the time to train young people the proper way to handle a gun.

Posted by: Angel S. Location: Belfry High School on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Ray Ray was an amazing person to be around, He was close to alot of people.He loved to joke around and make you smile, I remember when he first came to belfry middle, we became really good friends.I will miss and love him always!!!

Posted by: Angel Slone Location: Belfry High School on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Ray was a very loving person, he would always have something funny to say when you were down, he always had a smile on his face.He will be missed by alot of people, Ray was one of best friends.. i will always love you.

Posted by: Belfry Student Location: belfry high school on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Ray Rice (RayRay) was a great person, he really could make anyone laugh. RayRay will be missed by everyone here at BHS. Everyone loved to be around RayRay. He will always be loved and missed by everyone he knew and everyone who knew him. RayRay's family and friends are in my prayers. I LOVE YOU RAYRAY

Posted by: BelfryKy.com Location: Belfry, Ky. on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Our prayers are with the family!

Posted by: anoy Location: ky on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:46 AM
i pray for his family, these kids should have been supervised.

Posted by: jeffrey Location: timmons on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM
ray u was one of my best frens and i will miss u r.i.p

Posted by: Sarah Location: Floyd on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:06 AM
This makes two children killed in the past week here in Eastern KY and it seems no one is being held responsible.

Posted by: kELLIE on Dec 2, 2008 at 07:52 AM
And who was arrested? isn't it illegal for teens to have loaded guns?

Posted by: Jim Location: Pike on Dec 2, 2008 at 07:44 AM
And who is supervising these children who are getting shot? Is it now time for stricter gun laws?

Posted by: sydney Location: ky on Dec 2, 2008 at 06:30 AM
Ray Rice was a really great person.. everyone loved him. he was the type of person who didnt care what anyone thought he just had fun, no matter what happens through life we will always love and remember him.

Posted by: a parent on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:11 AM
My heart goes out the this young mans family and friends... I will keep all of them in my prayers.. My daughter and son was friends with him and all they can see is what a great person he was.... GOD BLESS YOU...

Posted by: JJ Location: Belfry on Dec 1, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Ray was one of the best people you could ever meet, he was so fun and mad anyone laught, he definately will be missed and remembered as time goes on by alot of people. I Love You and Miss You Ray. [edited]

Posted by: CONNIE Location: PRESTONSBURG KY on Dec 1, 2008 at 11:03 PM
TO THE PARENTS OF THEIS CHILD MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE IN MY PRAYERS. I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. ALL I CAN SAY IS TRUST IN GOD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO DEAL WITH THE APIN OF THS LOSS. SINCERLY CONNIE

Posted by: Anonymous Location: ky on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:59 PM
ray rice was a really great person. he was the type of person who didnt care what people thought he just had fun, and not only did his family love him but everyone did and still does. no matter what happens through life we will always remember and love him.

Posted by: brenda Location: barbourville ky on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:49 PM
may god be with this family ...i have a daughter the same age ..that is so sad.

Posted by: Rachel Location: KY on Dec 1, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Ray will always be a special light in my heart and knowing he is in heaven with Jesus brings me peace thru the hurt.

Posted by: Emily R. Location: ky on Dec 1, 2008 at 07:18 PM
I go to Belfry.. and that day was horrible... Ray was loved by all... it's not shocking.. it's just sad... I know the other kids that was there... and one of them told me what happened... I wish they would find that out sooner or later...

Posted by: Crystal&&Nicki Location: Ky on Dec 1, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Ray-ray,, We love you, & miss you so much. You are a wonderful person & will never be forgotten. From long school days to bootcamp laughs till now & for always we love you no matter what.

Posted by: hanna Location: crum on Dec 1, 2008 at 06:26 PM
i want them to find out who did this. ray is a very sweet guy and would never hurt anyone and i know it was no accident.and thats why i want them to find out who did this.....ray will be loves and missed so much . we will always love you ray

Posted by: Jessica Location: LILY on Dec 1, 2008 at 06:26 PM
This is totally not right at all. My Fiance was really good friends with him, its just really terrible.

Posted by: belfry student. Location: 41513 on Dec 1, 2008 at 06:25 PM
wow, this was truly a sad day a school. he was a great person. i didnt know him much but i knew enough to know if you needed some help or just someone to put a smile on your face, he could do it in a heart beat. i remember when he came to our school in the 8th grade, he made friends fast. its so sad. i believe it at was an accident. i personaly know the person that accidently shot him and i know he wouldnt shoot his bestfriend. last year he was on varsity court on the homecoming, thats just to show how much everyone loves him. he also has a birthday coming up this wednesday december 3, he would have been 17. theres not one person who wouldnt say that he truly will be missed. i love you and will miss you dearly raymond rice. 12.03.1991-12.30.08 rest in peace baby doll. ill be praying for your family.

Posted by: Victoria Location: kentucky on Dec 1, 2008 at 06:08 PM
we will always love and miss you!

Posted by: Kaycee Location: Pike Co. on Dec 1, 2008 at 05:53 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with each and every person touched by this tragedy.

Posted by: Alyssa Location: belfry on Dec 1, 2008 at 05:46 PM
you were a amazing person to be around , you were great. and i will never forget you, i mean you were my best friend , i told you everyting . i remember the last time i saw you ,i swear i will never forget you, and you will always be with me , and i know you are looking over me . 12/3/91 tilll 11/30/08

Posted by: megan Location: ky on Dec 1, 2008 at 05:33 PM
o.m.g this is so shocking

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