Teen Hunter Was Mistaken for Squirrel, Fatally Shot: DNR

A hunter in rural Iowa thought he was shooting a squirrel but ended up fatally shooting a teenage member of his own hunting party, according to state officials. The incident unfolded around 3pm on Saturday in Washington County near Iowa City, as reported by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The agency said 17-year-old Carson Ryan "was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party." He was shot in the back of the head and later pronounced dead at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, per CBS News.

The Iowa DNR is investigating, along with the Washington County Sheriff's Office. No additional details about the shooter have been released as the inquiry continues. The news has sent shock waves through the local community, with the Washington High School boys track and field team honoring their teammate in a social media post and urging the community to support his family amid the "devastating loss."

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign launched to support the Ryan family had topped $50,000 as of Wednesday morning. The fundraiser describes Carson as a "son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him." He was named to his school's homecoming court ahead of celebrations planned for this week, per KCRG.