Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Father accidentally shoots 9-year-old son dead on hunting trip

‘We don’t blame him and never have blamed him for one moment,’ grandfather says

Zoe Tidman
Wednesday 04 December 2019 06:52 EST
Comments
A GoFundMe page has been set up after Colton Williams died in a hunting accident
A GoFundMe page has been set up after Colton Williams died in a hunting accident (GoFundMe)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A 9-year-boy has died after his father reportedly shot him by accident while out hunting in South Carolina.

Colton Williams passed away on Thanksgiving morning in a hunting accident, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) said.

His father accidently shot him while they were on a rabbit hunting trip, according to local media.

“We don’t blame him and never have blamed him for one moment,” Vince Furtick, Colton’s grandfather, told local TV channel WRDW.

“We know how much he loved his son,” he added.

Colton reportedly saved the lives of three children by donating his organs.

“We’re crying tears because we miss our grandson, and those families are crying tears because their child is saved,” his grandfather said. “That’s an amazing thing.”

Colton was hunting with his father and family friend in Springfield, Orangeburg County, when the accident happened, the Associated Press reported.

His family have donated to an SCDNR programme helping underprivileged children get into hunting.

“Colton’s life was all about hunting and fishing,” SCDNR tweeted, “and he would have loved the idea of giving to underprivileged children so they too can experience the outdoors just like he did.”

A GoFundMe page on the fundraising website has been set up to cover funeral expenses, with any extra donations going towards the youth programme.

There are also plans for a youth hunting day in the new year in honour of Colton.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in