A hunter was shot and killed by a fellow hunter, who mistook the sounds from his electronic coyote caller for real wild dogs.
Baptist pastor Michael Marsh, 26, was out hunting on Monday in Taylorsville, North Carolina, when he was fatally shot by Ronald Matthew Dunn.
Marsh was using an electronic device which mimics the noises made by coyotes in an attempt to attract wild dogs. He was also dressed in camouflage and crouching on the ground close to a tree.
Dunn, 31, says he heard the sounds and thought that the wild dogs had trapped something in a tree, as he got closer, Marsh stood up and Dunn fired two shots into his chest after mistaking him for an animal.
He has since been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
After the shots were fired, Marsh is reported to have stood up and shouted: "Stop shooting. You hit me."
That then prompted Dunn to call emergency services, before carrying out first aid on Marsh.
Marsh was rushed to a local medical centre, but was later pronounced dead, the Charlotte Observer reports.
According to reports, while Marsh was legally allowed to be out hunting that day, Dunn, who was using a AR-15 assault rifle, did not have the required licence. Investigators said they believed Dunn's version of events, but added that charges could still be filed against him.
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A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Marsh's family to pay the funeral and other expenses.
The page reads: "Last night we lost a great man, husband, father, son and friend. Michael Marsh husband and father of two was involved in a tragic accident that sadly took his life.
"We are setting up this Gofund me page for his wife Katy and their two kids. One hundred percent of these funds will be given to her, and she will decide what she wants done with the funds. Whether it is funeral expenses, medical expense, funds for the children. Our hearts break for this family and we hope everyone can find it in their heart to donate something to help out the family."
It has already exceeded its $5000 goal, currently sitting at $5,520.
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Many people who donated left message of condolence, including one from someone who said she was Michael's cousin, who said: "My heart is in pieces for my cousin and her precious children. Seth was an amazing daddy, husband, son, friend, just a fun guy to know! He was taken from their world entirely too soon.
"If you feel compelled and are able, please please donate. If you cannot contribute financially, please pray hard and often for them! They are heartbroken, shocked, and shattered."
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Alexander County Sheriff's OfficeTopics: US News