Officials say a 9-year-old boy was accidentally killed by his father while hunting in South Carolina on Thanksgiving.
News outlets report Colton Williams was fatally shot Thursday in Springfield in Orangeburg County.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says relatives told investigators that Williams was out rabbit hunting with his dad and a family friend when his father accidentally shot him.
Williams was a fourth-grader who went to Kelly Edwards Elementary School in Williston.
“It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of one of our beloved fourth grade KEES scholars, Colton Williams,” The Willison School District wrote on its Facebook page. “Please join in with the KEES/Williston School District 29 family as we lift the family in prayer.”
The school district added in the statement that counselors will be at the school Monday and will be available throughout the week and longer if needed.
Colton’s funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church of Springfield on Sunday, 3 p.m., according to Williams’ obituary. The public is also invited to attend.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Williams’ family.
“He (Colton) absolutely loved the outdoors and was such a beautiful, talented little boy,” said Colin Ashe, the organizer of the page.
“His parents, Brian Williams and Caiti Furtick are two of the best people I have ever met. This devastating loss to their family is so heartbreaking.”
The Department of Natural Resources is continuing to investigate the incident.
The Associated Press and NTD staff contributed to this report.
