A 17-year-old Iowa teen was fatally shot after being mistaken for a squirrel during a hunting trip, according to authorities. Carson Ryan was part of a group hunting squirrels near Iowa City when a fellow hunter fired a weapon, striking him in the head. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirmed that Ryan “was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party.” The incident occurred around 3 p.m., and Ryan later died from his injuries at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center.

Ryan’s school community mourned his death, with the Washington High School boys track and field team sharing a social media statement alongside an image of him in his uniform. The team urged support for Ryan’s family during their grief. 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 and spirit left a lasting impact. The fatal incident remains under investigation.