A Kentucky high school junior has died after a tragic hunting accident.
Superintendent Lenny Whalen of the Dawson Springs Independent School System confirmed on Facebook that high school junior Aden McKinney died. The teen was shot during a hunting accident.
"Dear Dawson Springs Schools Family, it is with overwhelming sadness that our district shares the loss of one of the members of our junior class: Aden McKinney," Whalen wrote. "Aden passed early this morning following injuries sustained in a hunting accident.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Aden's family, friends, classmates, and all who are grieving," Whalen continued. "Counselors and support staff will be available for students and faculty on Monday and as needed as we navigate this difficult loss together."
The superintendent said that the school system had McKinney's family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers. He wrote, "We'll continue to treasure our memories of Aden, forever a Panther."
High School Junior Dies
The high school junior died while hunting. What exactly happened remains a mystery at this time. But the Dawson Springs Police Department investigated the incident. Following McKinney's passing, family friend Sabrina Ross launched a GoFundMe page. They raised several thousand dollars so far.
The money will go to putting a "Chevy" headstone on the high school junior's grave. In the fundraiser, Ross remembered McKinney and how much he loved life.
"Aden was a loving, caring, sweet, and compassionate child who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him," Ross wrote. "He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed trucks, horses, ATVs, hunting, and anything that let him be outside doing what he loved most."
Ross added, "This GoFundMe has been created to help his family lay him to rest with a Chevy headstone that truly reflects who Aden was and the things he loved. Our goal is to honor his memory in a way that feels personal and meaningful to his family."
