A Washington High School senior passed away Sunday morning following a weekend accident. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that 17-year old Carson Ryan died from injuries sustained in an accidental shooting while hunting squirrels in a hunting party. 

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, authorities received a call of a person being shot accidentally while hunting at about 3 p.m. Saturday. One person was taken by helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospital. Washington County Sheriff’s personnel, Brighton Fire and QRS, Washington Rescue, Washington County Ambulance, and Washington Fire Department responded to the scene near Brighton. 

The Washington Community School District stated support services are available to students including district counselors, school nurse, school support team, AEA staff, and trained counselors from neighboring schools. The district described Ryan as “a truly kind, thoughtful, and caring presence.” He had recently been named to the homecoming court.

A vigil was held at the high school Sunday evening. 

A GoFundMe account has been established to support his loved ones. As of Monday at 10:15 a.m., over $38,000 had been donated.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. KCII will provide more information as it becomes official.