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 services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, October 6th, at the Washington School Gymnasium at South 4th Avenue and East Madison Street. Burial will follow in the Tipton Masonic Cemetery at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held 1-5 p.m. Sunday, October 5, at the United Presbyterian Church in Washington. The family will be present to greet friends from 2-5 p.m. The family requests everyone dress casually or wear Washington Demon gear.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Washington Community School District Foundation for a scholarship to be given in Carson’s name. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for Carson and his family.

Updated 9/30/25 at 12:45 p.m.