This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A hunting-related accident claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy in northern Utah's Monte Cristo Mountain Range, the Cache County Sheriff's Office confirmed Sunday.
Chief Deputy Matt Bilodeau said the incident occurred a mile southeast of Red Spur Mountain, about 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The boy was sitting on the floorboard of a four-wheel ATV, trying to stay warm and out of the wind, when a hunting companion pulled up next to his vehicle.
As the man got out of his own four-wheeler and was removing his rifle from its front seat, the weapon discharged, striking the boy.
Bilodeau did not specify where the bullet struck the boy. Deputies and paramedics were unable to revive the child, who was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after a Life Flight medical helicopter.
No charges were anticipated, as investigators' preliminary findings were that the death was an accident.
The boy's name was being withheld pending notification of his extended Cache County family, which has asked for privacy as it mourns.
"As you can imagine the family is devastated," Bilodeau said. "During an outing meant to create memories, enjoy nature, and bring family and friends closer, to have something like this happen is just unimaginable. Please pray for their family."
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