Texas boy, 10, accidentally shot dead by his 14-year-old brother

• Jackson Roberts, 10, was shot dead by his 14-year-old brother on Friday
• Teenager had started playing with what he believed was unloaded gun
• Jackson managed to stumble across to father, who was outside room
• He was rushed to Childress Regional Medical Center in Texas, but died
• Police are investigating fatal shooting, but believe it was an accident
• It is unknown how brother came across gun, which 'belonged to father'
• Jackson described as talented baseball player who was 'always smiling'

By Sophie Jane Evans for MailOnline

Published: 12:25 EST, 2 December 2014 | Updated: 13:16 EST, 2 December 2014

A 10-year-old boy has been accidentally shot dead by his 14-year-old brother after the teenager started playing with what he believed was an unloaded shotgun in Texas, police have said.

Jackson Roberts, a fourth grader and talented baseball player, was reportedly sitting in a cabin in Lubbock on Friday night when his sibling pointed the weapon at him and shot him in the chest.

He managed to stumble over to his father, who was outside the cabin at the time, before being rushed to Childress Regional Medical Center. But despite medics' best efforts, he shortly died.

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Tragic: Jackson Roberts (pictured), a fourth grader and talented baseball player, was sitting in a cabin in Lubbock on Friday night when his brother, 14, pointed a gun at him and accidentally shot him in the chest

Missed: Jackson's mother, Renae Roberts, posted this photo of the youngster (far left) to Facebook this year

Beloved: After he was shot, Jackson (pictured with his mother) managed to stumble over to his father, who was outside the cabin at the time, before being rushed to Childress Regional Medical Center, where he died

Jackson, who has been described as 'quiet and always smiling', was a popular student at Roscoe Wilson Elementary School and played baseball in Lubbock's Southwest Little League.

On Saturday, his mother, Renae Roberts, who was not at the property at the time of the shooting, posted a photo of the youngster and his brother, taken several years ago, on Facebook.

The grief-stricken mother, who is believed to have separated from the boys' father, Bobby, also uploaded an image of a white baseball with her son's number, 51, printed in black over it.

Although she did not write anything on the site, her Facebook friends offered her words of support and paid tribute to Jackson, whose brother is not being identified by MailOnline.

Siblings: Ms Roberts uploaded this photo of Jackson and his brother to Facebook following the fatal shooting

Mother and son: Although she did not write anything, Ms Robert's (right) Facebook friends offered her words of support and paid tribute to Jackson (left), whose brother is not being identified by MailOnline

Paying tribute: Baseball instructor, Devin Rocha, wrote on Facebook: 'Jackson made me laugh everytime I saw him, whether in a lesson or just practicing. He made me a better person when I was around him'

Praying for the family: Another friend, Lynee Jones, said: 'My heart grieves for your loss and I'm praying for your entire family. It's obvious you have an army of prayer warriors and dear friends that are praying also'

'I am at a loss for words': Amy Harder McGavock added: 'Just know that I am praying for you constantly'

Baseball instructor, Devin Rocha, wrote: 'Jackson made me laugh everytime I saw him, whether in a lesson or just practicing. He made me a better person when I was around him.

'The world lost a great baseball player and a great kid. My heart is truly broken for your family.'

Another friend, Lynee Jones, said: 'My heart grieves for your loss and I'm praying for your entire family. It's obvious you have an army of prayer warriors and dear friends that are praying also.'

Police are investigating the shooting, which occurred at the Childress property at around 11pm on the day after Thanksgiving. The weapon used is believed to have been an 12-gauge shotgun.

Team effort: Police are investigating the shooting, which occurred at the Childress property at around 11pm on the day after Thanksgiving. Above, Jackson is pictured with Lubbock's Southwest Little League in 2012

Talented: A memorial service will be held at 11am on Thursday at Lake Ridge United Methodist Church. The family is raising money for funeral costs. Above, Jackson in baseball gear (right) and playing the game (left)

It is unknown how Jackson's brother came across the gun, but it is believed to belong to the pair's father. Officers told KTRE there is nothing to suggest the incident was not an accident.

They said the teenager thought the weapon was unloaded when he shot his younger brother in the upper left chest area, causing a fatal injury.

On Monday, Jackson's teammates at Southwest Little League reportedly gathered at their fields to remember their friend and pray, while the number 51 was displayed on the scoreboards.

'That speaks tremendous amounts about not just the type of kid he is, but the family, too,' one of the players' sisters, Kayla Crow, who described Jackson as 'fun but fearless'.

Elementary school: Jackson, who has been described as 'quiet and always smiling', was a popular student at Roscoe Wilson Elementary School (pictured) and played baseball in Lubbock's Southwest Little League

Devastating loss: It is unknown how Jackson's (pictured) brother came across the gun, but it is believed to belong to the pair's father. Officers told KTRE there is nothing to suggest the incident was not an accident

'And how much they're loved - how much he was loved not just by the Southwest team, but by everyone. He was a quiet but smiling boy.'

Crisis counselors are available all week at Roscoe Wilson Elementary, KCBD reported.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Thursday at Lake Ridge United Methodist Church.

The family is raising money for funeral costs. To donate, click here.