A 17-year-old high school student tragically lost his life during a squirrel hunting trip in Iowa last weekend, authorities reported.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed in a news release that Carson Ryan, of Washington, died after being accidentally shot by another hunter on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 27. The DNR said the teen “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. The incident remains under investigation.
Carson, a senior at Washington High School, was a member of the varsity football team, according to the Des Moines Register and the Southeast Iowa Union.
“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.
A vigil for Carson was held Sunday evening at the high school, where assistant football coach Nic Williams paid tribute. “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.”
Several local school districts acknowledged Carson’s death and extended condolences, urging students to wear Washington High’s black and orange colors on Monday, Sept. 29, in his memory, the Register reported.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe was created to support Carson’s family and had raised over $51,000 as of Tuesday, Sept. 30.
“Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the fundraiser description stated. “His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
