A teenager was killed when he was fatally shot in rural Iowa after he was mistaken for a squirrel during a hunting trip.
Carson Ryan, 17, was hunting squirrels outside of Iowa City when someone in his group shot him in the back of the head on September 27, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The department said that Ryan “was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party,” according to a news release shared by the department on Monday, September 29.
The department added that the incident took place around 3 p.m.
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Ryan was transported to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center in Iowa City, where he later died from his injuries. Officials said that his death is currently being investigated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the sheriff’s office in Washington County, which is where the incident took place.
The teenager was a student at Washington High School in Washington, Iowa, while he was also a member of the school’s track team and field. Following his death, the team took to Facebook to issue a statement about his passing.
“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. LGD,” the team captioned a photo of Ryan on the track in his team uniform.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched following Ryan’s death, and it has raised more than $54,000 as of Wednesday, October 1, toward its goal of $70,000.
Ryan was described as “a son, friend and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him” in the fundraiser’s description. “His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
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Additionally, the family friend who set the fundraiser up wrote that Ryan’s mom, Heidi, “is facing an unimaginable tragedy” after his death. “No parent should ever have to experience such a heartbreaking loss, and our hearts are broken alongside hers,” the description added.
“During this difficult time, we are raising funds to support Carson’s family as they navigate the unimaginable challenges of loss,” the description continued. “These donations will go directly toward easing the financial burden of memorial expenses and helping his loved ones find some peace and stability as they grieve.”
