US2 min(s) read
Published 17:00 24 Nov 2020 GMT
A teenage hunter has died after tragically falling from a ladder stand and being impaled on his own rifle.
As reported by the Daily Mail, 17-year-old Justin Lee Smith of Supply, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday afternoon following a tragic accident in the northwest part of the county near the Alcorn County line.
Speaking to WTVA, Tishomingo County coroner Mack Wilemon stated that Smith fell roughly 10 f00t from the top of the stand and impaled his chest on the barrel of his rifle upon landing.
The accident reportedly occurred after the stand apparently shifted and turned to one side.
Wilemon added that although Smith was able to dial 9-1-1 from his cell phone for help, he died shortly after making the call.
The Mail adds that it is still unknown if the teenager was hunting alone, but Smith was by himself on the stand when the accident occurred.
Following his untimely passing, a GoFundMe page has since been set up to help raise money for Smith's funeral.
A message on the page reads: "Thank you to anyone helping Jackie and Jamie with the funds for Justin's funeral.
"It's never easy to lose someone, but to lose them so young is devastating. Due to a recent job change the life insurance policy that would have covered funeral expenses was deactivated. The family thanks you again for any help and prayers."
As of this writing, $1,300 of the $6,000 target has been raised by kind donators.
In a tribute on Facebook, Smith's grandmother said that her grandson also loved fishing as well as hunting. She wrote:
"So catch some big ones till I see you again. Love you grandmas boy I’m gonna miss you but I’ll never forget you. [sic]"
Per the Mail, a state wildlife agency has since launched an investigation into the accident.
