Horror as teenager shot dead on hunting trip after being 'mistaken for squirrel'

A teenage boy was tragically shot dead by a hunter who mistook him for prey.

Officials said Carson Ryan, 17, was killed on Saturday (27 September) afternoon after being 'struck in the back of his head' with a bullet in the US state of Iowa.

The young lad was out squirrel hunting in a rural area in the city of Brighton when a fellow hunter unknowingly fired a fatal shot towards him.

Police said the person who pulled the trigger - who has not been identified - noticed Ryan making a movement, but erroneously thought he was an animal.

The hunter believed that they were aiming at a squirrel, but in fact, they had fired a fatal shot at the teenage boy.

Ryan was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away from his injuries, a statement from Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.

Carson Ryan died from his injuries after he was shot in the back of the head (Facebook)

Captain Shawn Meier, of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Bureau, described the incident as 'tragic' and suggested that officials were currently treating it as a hunting accident.

He then pointed out that a number of environmental factors may have also played a part in Ryan's death.

Meier told KCRG: "You have the sunlight coming in, shadows will start to creep in, you have other types of movement - whether it be wind, animals moving within the area...

"And it is important that hunters take that time to look through the area and make sure what they’re seeing is the target they’re going to shoot at."

"Hunting accidents are tragic, and you wish to bring them all back," Meier added. "Our fatality numbers have dropped, and part of that is the education.

"But it does happen, and sadly, any incident is too many."

Tributes have poured in for Ryan, who was reportedly a student at Washington High School, since his death over the weekend.

Pals described him as a promising football player and athlete, while a family friend said the late 17-year-old was a 'bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him'.

The 17-year-old was 'mistaken for a squirrel', police said (GoFundMe)

Washington Boys' Track & Field Team released a statement paying homage to Ryan, urging people to 'keep Carson's mum, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss'.

"Our hearts are broken," it added.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help his mother Heidi fund her teenage son's funeral, which has so far raised $53,780 (£39,900) of its $70,000 (£51,900) target.

The post states: "Our dear friend, Heidi, is facing an unimaginable tragedy. Her beloved son, Carson, was taken far too soon in a tragic accident.

"No parent should ever have to experience such a heartbreaking loss, and our hearts are broken alongside hers. [Carson's] kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.

"During this difficult time, we are raising funds to support Carson’s family as they navigate the unimaginable challenges of loss.

"These donations will go directly toward easing the financial burden of memorial expenses and helping his loved ones find some peace and stability as they grieve."

A probe into Ryan's death remains ongoing, the DNR said, while Washington County Sheriff's Office is also investigating the shooting.

LADbible Group has contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office for comment.