High School Junior Killed in Tragic Accident on Hunting Trip, School Announce in Heartbreaking Statement

A student from Kentucky has died following a tragic accident during a hunting trip, according to school officials.

On Saturday, Jan. 3, Dawson Springs Independent School System Superintendent Lenny Whalen announced on Facebook that junior Aden McKinney had passed away after being critically injured.

“Dear Dawson Springs Schools Family, it is with overwhelming sadness that our district shares the loss of one of the members of our junior class: Aden McKinney,” Whalen wrote. “Aden passed early this morning following injuries sustained in a hunting accident.”

Whalen extended condolences to McKinney’s family, friends, and classmates, noting that counselors and support staff will be available for students and faculty beginning Monday and as needed in the days ahead.

The superintendent added that the school community’s thoughts remain with McKinney’s loved ones. “We’ll continue to treasure our memories of Aden, forever a Panther,” he wrote.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend Sabrina Ross has raised more than $4,000 toward its $6,000 goal to help lay McKinney to rest with a personalized “Chevy” headstone.

In the fundraiser description, Ross remembered McKinney as “a loving, caring, sweet, and compassionate child who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.” She added that he had a deep passion for the outdoors and enjoyed trucks, horses, ATVs, hunting, and spending time outside.

Ross said the fundraiser was created to help honor McKinney’s memory in a way that reflects who he was and the things he loved most.

The Dawson Springs Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for additional information regarding the incident.