RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. -- Deputies said a 15-month-old girl was killed when a gun her father was cleaning went off accidentally on Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened at a home on Rock Road in Rutherford County, which is just across the North Carolina - South Carolina border, around 1:30 p.m.

Deputies said the girl was sitting in her high-chair around while her father was cleaning the gun. They said the gun went off and a shot hit the girl.

The toddler was rushed to Rutherford Hospital, where she died, deputies said.

Family members said they believe the shooting was an accident because the father took great care of his daughter.

“He took care of that baby,” said Teresa Banning, the toddler’s aunt. “He bathed her and clothed her. I mean how many men change diapers? Many are scared to death, but not Andy, he took right to it and just took care of her. He worshipped that baby. That baby was his life. He would never harm that baby.”

Deputies said they also believe the shooting is accidental. However, they will go through evidence to see if charges are needed.

The toddler’s name has not been released.