Staff at the school estimated that about 70 students were in the cafeteria and witnessed the boy shoot himself, Heed said.
The circumstances under which the shooting occurred are under investigation.
A relative of the boy told the Associated Press yesterday that the student’s name was Hunter Mack.
“We’re all just waiting to hear about our little boy,’’ said Cindy Mack, whose cousin is the boy’s father. “He’s a wonderful little boy. He’s an avid hunter - like his name.
“He is very smart. He won prizes at school. He shot his first deer last year. He’s a great, great kid.’’
Nancy Neary, 51, a substitute teacher for the Walpole School District, said she was familiar with the student.
“I knew the boy and I was totally shocked,’’ she said. “He was a great kid that I always saw. . . . It’s just so sad.’’
Heed said that counselors were on hand to assist students and staff with the traumatic event.
“It’s been a very sad and busy day for those who live here in Walpole,’’ said Janet Clough, an administrative assistant for the town.
Officials said yesterday that the town is a tightknit community where they would not expect anything like the tragic shooting to happen. “I’m sure people are pretty surprised,’’ said Alan Palmer, 40, who lives down the street from the school.
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch released a statement regarding the shooting.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and I know that all of New Hampshire shares in the pain and grief of the children, families and community of the Walpole Elementary School,’’ he said. “The state of New Hampshire is offering whatever assistance it can to the community, along with all of our thoughts and prayers.’’
The elementary school has about 170 students in grades five through eight.
