LINCOLNTON, N.C. (AP) — Authorities say a 10-year-old North Carolina boy is in the hospital after he accidentally hanged himself on a basketball goal in his yard.

A news release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says the boy was outside playing basketball Sunday south of Lincolnton. His grandmother looked outside and saw him hanging from the goal netting. According to deputies, the goal was set about 5 feet off the ground.

Investigators say the boy’s father ran outside, cut away the netting, and began CPR. The boy was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center-Lincoln and then to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

A statement from the sheriff’s office Monday said the boy was in stable condition and alert.

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