Teen Who Was ‘Mistaken for a Squirrel’ Shot and Killed by Fellow Hunter

A 17-year-old high school student was accidentally shot and killed during a squirrel hunting incident in Iowa last weekend, authorities said. 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said in a news release that Carson Ryan, of Washington, succumbed to his injuries after being shot by another hunter, who was not identified by authorities, on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 27.

The DNR said that the teen “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,” the department added, noting that the incident is currently under investigation.

Carson was a senior at Washington High School and a member of its varsity football team, according to the Des Moines Register and the Southeast Iowa Union.

“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,” the team wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday, Sept. 28.

The high school held a vigil for Carson on Sunday evening, with assistant football coach Nic Williams paying tribute. 

“Carson was a fierce competitor in everything he did,” he said, according to the Union. “He loved fishing. He loved being with his friends. But more importantly, Carson was a person of incredible faith.”

Several local school districts acknowledged Carson’s death and offered their condolences, the Register reported. They also asked their students to wear Washington High’s black and orange colors on Monday, Sept. 29, in memory of the teen.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe was established on behalf of Carson’s family, which has raised over $51,000 as of Tuesday, Sept. 30.

“Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the fundraiser description read. “His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.”

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PEOPLE contacted Washington Community Schools and the GoFundMe organizer for additional information.