This is certainly a tragic and unusual story. On Saturday, Sep. 27, an Iowa teenager was shot while hunting for squirrels in Brighton, a rural community outside Iowa City. Officials say a fellow member of the hunting party mistook 17-year-old Carson Ryan for a squirrel.
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According to a news release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. when Ryan was "struck in the back of the head." He was transported to UI Health Medical Center and died from his injuries later that day. The incident is currently under investigation.
Ryan Was a Track and Field Star
According to CBS News, Ryan was a member of the boys' track and field team at Washington High School.
"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," said a statement posted on the team's
social media page.Meanwhile, Pekin Schools, a nearby district, asked that students and staff honor Ryan by wearing the team's colors on Sep. 29.
"Our hearts are with the Washington High School community as they mourn the tragic loss of one of their students," the district said in a post. "Pekin schools invite all staff and students to wear orange and black on Monday, September 29th as a sign of support Carson Ryan, his family, the Washington School District, and community."
A GoFundMe was also created to help Ryan's family "as they navigate the unimaginable challenges of loss. These donations will go directly toward easing the financial burden of memorial expenses and helping his loved ones find some peace and stability as they grieve."
As of Oct. 2, the page currently has 752 donations totaling over $56,000. The fundraising goal is $70,000.
"Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," reads the description. "His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void."
Hunting Accidents Are No Joke
This incident is unusual, but hunting safety is no laughing matter. We frequently report on hunting accidents here, which typically result in a trip to the emergency room. While there are no comprehensive national statistics available for hunting accidents, most reported cases are attributed to human error.
