Tragedy struck the Clinton County community last week when what is being investigated as an apparent accidental shooting took the life of a young man.

Michael L. Grunden, 18, was killed last Thursday evening, May 12, near his home on McFall Road in northern Clinton County.

Grunden was a member of the 2011 Clinton County High School senior class that is set to hold its graduation ceremony next week.

According to the Kentucky State Police Post 15 in Columbia, the investigation surrounding Grunden’s death is ongoing and autopsy results are pending.

Kentucky State Police Post 15 Public Affairs Officer, Trooper First Class Billy Gregory noted in a press release issued to the Clinton County News Monday afternoon, that Grunden died as a result of a gunshot wound.

The release further noted that Grunden and his brother, Wesley McGraw, had been out shooting a shotgun and were returning home when the weapon discharged, fatally wounding Grunden.

The incident is being investigated by Kentucky State Police Detective B.J. Burton.

Grunden’s Class of 2011 classmates mourned the death of their friend Friday as a memorial service was held in the parking lot, around Grunden’s parking space.

Tears filled the eyes of the teenagers as several members of the student body spoke, including Senior Class President Megan Norris. Classmates also sang a song to remember their fallen classmate, followed by releasing balloons in his honor.

Clinton County Superintendant Micky McFall said during an interview Monday morning, that students were coping with the situation the best they could.

“It’s a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family,” McFall said. “I met with our staff Friday, the day after it took place, and speaking with the principal and counselors out there, students were quite solemn and quite a few were going to see the counselors and talking about this situation. I think they are handling it as you would expect. To lose a classmate, at anytime, especially in the spring, prior to graduation with a senior, it just adds to the tragedy. We are providing opportunity for students who want to go to visitation, to travel out there. Mr. (Sheldon) Harlan has been there assisting in that process.”

The tragic accident came only two weeks before graduation and most certainly will add more emotion for the senior class during commencement ceremonies.

“It’s always tragic … whether it’s a senior or any other grade level … our heart goes out to the family,” McFall said.

A complete death notice for Michael Grunden appears this week on page 9.

The entire student body at Clinton County High School paid their respects Friday at a memorial service held in honor of Michael Grunden, shown above, who died last week in a shooting accident.

In the top photo, balloons were released from the C.C.H.S. parking lot in honor of Grunden as students at Clinton County High School gathered around Grunden’s parking spot.

Above, students surrounded a wreath and photo board of Michael Grunden as they signed a poster to honor their classmate.

During a memorial service held last week for C.C.H.S. senior Michael Grunden, students passed around and signed a wooded cross that was to be placed at the grave of their schoolmate this week.

Leroy Malaefono consoled a classmate after the memorial service for classmate Michael Grunden had concluded Friday afternoon in the C.C.H.S. parking lot.