A 17-year-old Iowa student was fatally shot by a fellow hunter who mistakenly identified him as a squirrel during a hunting trip, authorities confirmed.
Carson Ryan was part of a group pursuing squirrels near Iowa City when the incident occurred, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A member of the hunting party fired a weapon, striking Ryan in the head. The department stated he was “mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party.” The shooting happened around 3 p.m., and Ryan later died from his injuries at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center.
Ryan’s school community expressed grief over the tragedy. The Washington High School boys track and field team shared a social media post featuring an image of Ryan in his uniform, urging followers to remember his family and friends during this “devastating loss.” Ryan had also served on his school’s homecoming court.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by loved ones has raised over $52,600, describing him as a “son, friend, and bright light” whose “kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives.” The incident remains under investigation.