BRIGHTON, Iowa – A tragic hunting accident in rural Brighton claimed the life of a Washington High School student over the weekend. Authorities identified the victim as 17-year-old Carson Ryan, who died Saturday afternoon after being accidentally shot while squirrel hunting with a group.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ryan was fatally injured when a member of his hunting party mistook him for a squirrel. The teen was struck in the back of the head and rushed to UI Health Care Medical Center for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he did not survive. Officials have classified the shooting as accidental and do not expect any criminal charges to be filed.
News of Ryan’s death has shaken the Washington community. A popular student, Ryan was recently selected as a member of the Washington High School homecoming court. His passing comes during homecoming week, turning what is normally a joyful celebration into a period of mourning for students, staff, and residents. School officials and classmates described Ryan as a well-liked teen whose sudden loss has left many struggling to cope.
A GoFundMe launched to support Ryan’s family in the aftermath of the tragedy has already raised more than $50,000, with donations continuing to pour in from friends, neighbors, and strangers touched by the story. Messages of sympathy and remembrance have filled the campaign page, reflecting the deep sense of grief felt throughout the community.
The Iowa DNR has stressed the importance of hunting safety in the wake of the accident. Hunters are urged to clearly identify their target before firing, a fundamental rule designed to prevent tragedies like this one. While accidents involving mistaken identity are rare, officials said the case underscores how quickly a moment of carelessness can have irreversible consequences. The agency continues to review the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of its investigation.
For now, Washington residents are rallying around the Ryan family, offering support through vigils, prayers, and donations. The memory of Carson Ryan, remembered as a promising and kindhearted young man, will remain with his classmates and community long after homecoming week ends. His death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the need for caution and responsibility during hunting season.