PRESCOTT, AZ – A tragic incident occurred late last month at an Arizona campground when a man accidentally shot and killed his best man while they were hunting skunks, according to local law enforcement. The shooter, whose identity has not been disclosed, mistakenly believed his firearm was unloaded when he discharged a .22 caliber bullet into his friend’s abdomen on July 26 at the United Christian Youth Camp in Prescott, as reported by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim, 22-year-old Jack Creed from Peoria, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. Initially, his condition was stabilized, but he later died due to complications during a flight transfer to a Phoenix hospital and subsequent surgery, according to authorities.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office stated that the shooting occurred in a remote area of the campground where the two friends were hunting skunks. They concluded their hunting around 10:30 p.m., the report stated.
According to the sheriff’s office, the shooter had pulled the charging handle of the gun multiple times, leading him to believe that the weapon was empty. The initial investigation revealed that Creed was set to be the best man at the shooter’s upcoming wedding.
The preliminary investigation also indicated that the shooter showed no signs of impairment or alcohol use at the time of the incident. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case, as stated in their report last week.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of gun safety, particularly when engaging in activities such as hunting. It underscores the need for individuals to always treat firearms as if they are loaded, even if they believe them to be empty, to prevent such devastating accidents.