Gainesville teen seriously injured by 'pumpkin slingshot'

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A Gainesville teen was seriously injured by a "pumpkin slingshot" during a church festival on Halloween. 

It happened at the Cornerstone Assembly, just as the festival was ending for the day. 

Jacob Stevens, 16, was injured in his chest after the slingshot reportedly recoiled, firing the pumpkin violently into his chest, family members say. 

Stevens was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Family members say quick action by churchgoers and emergency workers made "all the difference" during the first few moments after the accident. 

Since the accident, the family says Jacob has been surrounded by dozens of friends, family and community members. 'Constant prayer' has been conducted, the family adds. 

A GoFundMe account has been created to assist with expenses.