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The announcement of the incident, which occurred on Friday, Feb. 1, was made on Thursday, Feb 7 by Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley Jr.
At approximately 7:46 p.m. Feb. 1, sheriff's deputies responded to a radio run of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head of the teen at a home on Ridge Avenue in Putnam Valley after another teen called 911 to report that his friend had accidentally shot himself.
Three friends of victim Elias Knapp were also present. Deputies Shawn Iarussi and Brian Neary along with EMS and a Medic assisted in administering aid to Knapp, who was still breathing, Langley said.
Knapp was transported by the Mahopac Falls ambulance to then be airlifted to Westchester Medical Center.
Knapp, a senior at Putnam Valley High School who lived at the location with his family, later died from those injuries on Sunday, Feb. 3.
He was born in Carmel on June 8, 2001.
In his obituary, he was described as "an incredibly loving son, grandson, brother, and friend. He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, camping, and riding his dirt bike. He loved playing video games, music, and spending time with family and friends. He had a special connection with animals, especially his dogs, and had an unrivaled and witty sense of humor."
He is survived by his loving parents Steven A. Knapp, originally of Croton-on-Hudson and Helena Knapp originally of Lappeenranta, Finland, his older sisters Saara and Maija Knapp, and his grandparents Carol Knapp of Lake Peekskill and Esko and Annikki Tanttu-Knapp of Lappeenranta.
He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Eero and Sharon Tanttu, and Ulla Tanttu, his cousins Ella Tanttu, Lauri and Valtteri Tiainen, his parents' uncles, aunts, cousins and their children, and his longtime girlfriend Amanda Faul.
"His life and memory continue to serve through the generous gift of organ donation, according to his obituary. "As the community has given so abundantly already we ask that in lieu of sending flowers for you to consider volunteering even a few hours of your time at an organization of your choice in Elias' memory."
Visitation and a funeral service were held Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Yorktown Funeral Home in Shrub Oak.
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