An Iowa teenager was shot in the back of the head and killed after being mistaken for a squirrel while on a hunt.
Carson Ryan, 17, of Washington, died from his injuries after a member of his hunting party mistakenly shot him on Saturday in a rural area of Brighton.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed his death in a statement released on Monday saying he was rushed to hospital where he died from his injuries.
Captain Shawn Meier of the DNR’S Law Enforcement Bureau said the teenager had got up to move and his movement led one of the hunters to think he was a squirrel.
According to Meier, who spoke with KCRG, the environment in which the party was hunting in had played a role in the accident.
He said: ‘You have the sunlight coming in, shadows will start to creep in, you have other types of movement, whether it be wind, animals moving within the area.
‘It is important that hunters take that time to look through the area and make sure what they’re seeing is the target they’re going to shoot at.’
After the news of his passing broke, social media was inundated with memorial posts for the teenager, who was a budding football player and athlete.
Carson Ryan, seen here alongside his mom Heidi, died from his injuries after a member of his hunting party mistakenly shot him on Saturday
Captain Shawn Meier of the DNR’S Law Enforcement Bureau said the teenager had got up to move and his movement led one of the hunters to think he was a squirrel
Ryan had played for the football for Washington county and was also part of Washington Boys’ Track & Field Team.
A statement from the track team said: ‘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.’
According to the Washington High School website he was on his school’s 2025 homecoming court. This week is homecoming for the school.
Another person posted: ‘My friend Heidi and her family suffered the most unimaginable loss this weekend. I don’t generally struggle with words, but I have none.
‘My heart is broken for them all. These people have always loved me like I was their family and I wish there was something we could do to change this, but there isn’t. Except to pray.
‘Heidi, my Wheeler family, friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. I love you all so much.
‘Comfort will be hard to find in these difficult days, but I’m praying you would feel the presence of Jesus with you for He is near to the broken-hearted.’
Another person posted: ‘My heart is broken for you all, praying for comfort and strength in this difficult time.’
A GoFundMe page to help his mother Heidi has since raised over $51,000 as of Tuesday
Ryan was mistaken for a squirrel while hunting with friends, according to local officials
According to the Washington High School website he was on his school’s 2025 homecoming court. This week is homecoming for the school
After the news of his passing broke, social media was inundated with memorial posts for the teenager
A GoFundMe page to help his mother Heidi has since raised over $51,000 as of Tuesday.
The fundraiser described the teen as a ‘son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had privilege of knowing him.
‘His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.’
The statement confirming his passing said: ‘A 17-year-old squirrel hunter has died from injuries sustained in an accidental shooting by another hunter in rural Brighton. The incident occurred Saturday at approximately 3 p.m.
‘Carson Ryan, 17, of Washington, was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party and was struck in the back of the head.
‘Ryan was transported to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.’
According to the DNR they are probing the shooting alongside the Washington County .
