Keith Lusher 10.07.25
The hunting community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Carson Ryan of Washington, Iowa, who died following an accidental shooting during a squirrel hunting trip on September 28.
The incident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. in rural Brighton when Ryan was struck in the back of the head after being mistaken for a squirrel by another member of his hunting party. He was immediately transported to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, working alongside the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the incident, which has been ruled accidental.
The Washington community has rallied around Ryan’s family in the wake of this tragedy. A GoFundMe campaign established to support the family has raised more than $55,000, with organizer Kelsie Wheeler describing Ryan as “a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Ryan’s impact on his community was evident during Washington High School’s Homecoming Week. The teen was posthumously crowned Homecoming King on Thursday night, with a poster photo displayed on a chair next to Homecoming Queen Iris Dahl. The community has honored his memory with hand-painted window signage throughout town and custom black-and-orange t-shirts featuring his football jersey number, 80.
This was Ryan’s first year playing for the Washington Demons football team. The Washington Boys’ Track and Field team, of which Ryan was also a member, shared a heartfelt tribute asking people “to keep Carson’s mom, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss of Carson.”
Neighboring schools, including Pekin Schools, encouraged students to wear orange and black in solidarity with the grieving community.
Ryan’s family described him as “a friend to all,” and his funeral service was held October 6 at the Old Washington Middle School Gymnasium.
This tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of hunter safety and positive target identification. Before taking any shot, hunters must be absolutely certain of their target and what lies beyond it. Wearing hunter orange and maintaining clear communication with hunting party members can help prevent such devastating accidents.
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