A hunting trip in rural Iowa turned fatal after a 17-year-old boy was mistakenly shot by a fellow hunter who believed he was targeting a squirrel.
The victim, identified as Carson Ryan, was struck in the back of the head around 3 p.m. near Brighton, outside Iowa City, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He was rushed to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center but later died of his injuries.
Authorities said the incident remains under investigation by both the Department of Natural Resources and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Ryan, a student at Washington High School, was remembered as a dedicated athlete. His school’s track and field team mourned the loss on social media, writing: “Washington Boys’ Track & Field team asks you to keep Carson’s mom, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss of Carson. Our hearts are broken.”
A GoFundMe campaign launched in his memory has already raised more than $50,000 to support his family. The campaign described him as “a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
