Teen shot to death after being mistaken for squirrel by fellow hunter

A teenager was shot dead by a fellow hunter who thought he was a squirrel.

In a Sept. 29 news release by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, authorities said Carson Ryan, 17, of Washington was hunting animals when someone from his group shot him in the back of his head after getting "mistaken for a squirrel."

Ryan was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

His track and field team at Washington High School mourned his death in a Facebook post.

"Washington Boy's Track & Field team asks you to keep Carson's Mom, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss of Carson. Our hearts are broken," it read.

A GoFundMe campaign was started to support Ryan's family during this difficult time. The 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."

In the description, he was described as "a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him." 

"His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void," it read.