Matthew Wilson
In a tragic hunting accident, a 17-year-old teen is dead after being mistaken for a squirrel. The sad incident happened in Iowa over last weekend.
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What happened: Accordng to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the teen was still in high school. He had been a senior and also a varisty football player. Washington teen Carson Ryan had been visiting the state on a hunting trip. That’s when another hunter accidentally shot and killed him on September 27.
According to DNR, Ryan “was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party and was struck in the back of the head.”
Realizing the terrible mistake, the hunting party tried to get him help. But he perished from his injuries.
“Ryan was transported to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries,” the department added.
Mistaken For Squirrel
Tributes to teen: After his death, his school mourned the loss of the teen.
- “Washington Boy’s Track & 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 on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Coach Nic Williams of the football team remembered the fallen teen at a vigil.
- “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.”
Schools in Iowa wore black and orange color to mourn the fallen teen as well. It’s a terrible tragedy. At this time, we’re unsure exactly how someone mistook the teen for a squirrel. Police declined to reveal the identity of the hunter who shot and killed Carson.
The family is going through a time of mourning. They launched a GoFundMe to help with expenses.
“Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the fundraiser description read. “His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
