Missouri hunter killed in weekend accident

LESTERVILLE, Mo. -- A 50-year-old deer hunter was accidentally shot and killed by a family member Sunday morning along the Black River in Reynolds County.

According to Sheriff Tom Volner, the hunter was one of several hunting together on private property near Lesterville.

"The group was spread out in the brush," Volner said. "The shooter saw white moving through the brush and fired."

The victim, who had a white beard, was struck by a single bullet from his 59-year-old cousin's centerfire rifle at a distance of 50 to 65 yards. The victim's father was "about 400 feet farther away," Volner said.

According to Reynolds County Coroner Jeff McSpadden, the victim, whose name wasn't released before press time, died at the scene.

"He had hunted his whole life," Volner said, noting the victim was not wearing the orange clothing required of Missouri's firearms deer hunters.

The shooting, Volner said, is considered accidental.

Pertinent address:

Lesterville, Mo.