A South Carolina man and his daughter died after being shot while hunting deer on New Year’s Day, a relative of the victims told CNN affiliate WCBD.
Kim Drawdy, 30, and his 9-year-old daughter, Lauren, were hunting Wednesday near their home in Walterboro, South Carolina, according to Benny Drawdy, Kim’s brother.
The two were shot by hunters after being mistaken for deer, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
The agency said a group of four hunters was driving deer, which is when a group walks toward the animals to move them, but it did not give further details on how two of the hunters were shot.
NEWS RELEASE: Four hunters were attempting to move deer, also known as driving deer, near Barracada Road in Walterboro when two hunters were shot after being mistaken for a deer.
Those two hunters succumbed to their injuries.
SCDNR continues to investigate this incident.
— S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources (@SCDNR) January 2, 2020
“When I got the message, I just couldn’t believe it,” Drawdy told WCBD. “My heart stopped when they told me it was my brother and his daughter.”
Emergency crews responded and found the victims about half a mile into the woods, Colleton County Fire Chief Barry McRoy told CNN.
The Colleton County Coroner has not yet released the cause and manner of death, according to McRoy.
The SCDNR is investigating the shooting.
A loved one named Christen Elizabeth started a Facebook fundraiser page Thursday to support the tragedy.
“Kim Drawdy and his daughter Lauren where both tragically killed in a hunting accident on New Year’s Day,” Christen wrote.
“We are trying to raise money to help with funeral costs for both of these precious souls. Anything helps, and all prayers are appreciated.”
NTD staff contributed to this report.
