A tragic accident during a hunting trip claimed the life of Lt. Nathan Kaas, a longtime member of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
On October 12, Kaas was hunting with a friend in Idaho’s Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The two were preparing to pursue mule deer when the friend removed a rifle from its case. The gun accidentally discharged, striking Kaas in the thigh, according to ABC 7 News.
Kaas sustained severe bleeding, reported The San Bernardino Sun. The incident occurred in the Sheep Creek area, per Fox 11. The friend involved has not been publicly identified.
Kaas was a member of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team in California, according to a statement from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Association, which confirmed he died in a hunting accident.
A fundraiser for his family was organized through Help A Hero. The campaign describes Kaas as a husband and father of three, remembered for his deep faith and commitment to service.
“His relationship, love and service to Jesus Christ, his church and community, emboldened his impact on the many walks of life he encountered. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend,” the fundraiser description reads.
The Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Relief Foundation described Kaas as “a protector and mentor who embodied the Service Above Self pride of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.”
“His relationship, love and service to Jesus Christ strengthened his impact on the many walks of life he encountered. Lieutenant Kaas’ loved ones, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Riverside County Sheriffs’ Association thank you for your support, prayers, and donations for the Kaas family,” the statement added.
Kaas joined the department in April 2000 and served for 25 years, holding the ranks of Investigator, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. The department expressed its condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn his loss.
Kaas’s death occurred just two days after 21-year-old Kaylanee Orr also died in an accidental hunting-related shooting in Idaho on October 10, according to multiple reports.
