Iowa Teen Fatally Shot After A Hunter Mistakes Him For A Squirrel

This is absolutely tragic.

An Iowa teen was shot and killed after a hunter mistaken him as a squirrel.

The teen was part of a group that was hunting squirrels but in a unfortunate turn of events a member of the group shot him in the head after he wrongly thought the teen was a squirrel.

CBS News reported more details on the teen’s tragic death:

A teenager died Saturday in rural Iowa, after he was shot by a fellow hunter who apparently mistook him for a squirrel, officials said.

Carson Ryan, 17, was hunting squirrels outside Iowa City when gunfire from someone in his group struck him in the back of the head, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. In a news release, the agency said Ryan “was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party.”

The incident took place at around 3 p.m., according to department.

Ryan later died from his injuries at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center in Iowa City.

The boys track and field team at Washington High School reacted to Ryan’s death in a social media statement, which accompanied an image of the teen wearing the team’s uniform.

Here’s some photos of Carson:

Carson Ryan, 17, of Washington, Iowa, died on Saturday, September 27, 2025, after being accidentally shot in the back of the head by a member of his own hunting party in a rural area of Brighton. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources stated the teen was mistaken for a squirrel… pic.twitter.com/r52MXhmeyC

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) October 1, 2025

Beloved Iowa varsity football star tragically killed after being mistaken for squirrel during hunting trip https://t.co/RRJImRvPlK pic.twitter.com/JmKmj2yEj9

— New York Post (@nypost) September 30, 2025

The New York Post noted Carson’s death is under investigation:

“Washington Boy’s Track & Field team asks you keep Carson’s Mom, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss of Carson,” the Washington Demons Boys Track & Field posted on Facebook Sunday.

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The student victim also served on his school’s homecoming court, according to the district’s website.

His loved ones have since launched a GoFundMe that has raised more than $52,600.

“Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the fundraiser said.

“His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.”

The fatal incident remains under investigation.