Teenager shot dead ‘after being mistaken for a squirrel’
A teenager has been killed after a fellow member of his hunting party mistook him for a squirrel, officials say.
Carson Ryan was shot in the back of the head while on a hunting trip in the Brighton area of Iowa, according to a statement issued by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The 17-year-old “was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party”, the statement said.
He was taken to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said it responded to the incident along with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
It described it as an “accidental shooting” but said the death was currently under investigation.
A number of tributes were made to Carson, including from the Washington Boys’ Track and Field team, which asked people “to keep Carson’s mom, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss of Carson”.
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“Our hearts are broken,” the group added.
An online fundraiser set up to support his family has raised more than $55,000 (£40,714).
Its organiser, Kelsie Wheeler, said: “Our dear friend, Heidi, is facing an unimaginable tragedy.
“Her beloved son, Carson, was taken far too soon in a tragic accident. No parent should ever have to experience such a heartbreaking loss, and our hearts are broken alongside hers.”
