Carson Ryan, 17, was shot and killed by a member of his hunting party in Iowa after he was “mistaken for a squirrel” according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
A secondary school pupil was accidentally shot and killed during a squirrel hunting trip in Iowa last weekend.
Carson Ryan, 17, of Washington died as a result of gunshot wounds he sustained after being shot by a fellow hunter, The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said. The shooter was not identified by authorities.
The tragic incident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, September 27. Authorities said that Ryan was “was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party and was struck in the back of the head.”
“Ryan was transported to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries,” the department added, noting that the incident is currently under investigation, reports the Mirror US.
The young man was a sixth-former at Washington High School and a member of its varsity football team, according to the Des Moines Register and the Southeast Iowa Union.
“Washington Boy’s Track and Field team asks you keep Carson’s Mom, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss of Carson. Our hearts are broken,” the team wrote in a Facebook post the day after Ryan’s death.
That evening, a vigil was held by the secondary school to honour their former pupil. Assistant football coach Nic Williams paid tribute, according to the Union.
“Carson was a fierce competitor in everything he did,” he said, according to the Union. “He loved fishing. He loved being with his friends. But more importantly, Carson was a person of incredible faith.”
A GoFundMe has also been set up on behalf of Carson’s family, which has raised over $51,000 as of Tuesday, September 30.
“Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the description read. “His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
The heartbreaking incident has fuelled the ongoing debate about gun laws and young people in America.
The NYPD revealed on Monday that a 13 year old lad was declared brain dead after being shot in the head whilst on his way to school.
You can donate to the GoFundMe page by clicking here.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
#Student #shot #dead #hunting #party #mistaken #squirrel
