Montgomery, AL – On November 25, 2022, 16-year-old Carter Carroll was tragically killed in a hunting accident near his home in Montgomery, Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), Carroll was hunting with his father when he was accidentally shot in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Accident
The ADCNR is investigating the incident, but initial reports indicate that Carroll was shot by his father, who mistook him for a deer. The father, whose name has not been released, was reportedly using a rifle at the time of the accident.
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), hunting accidents are rare but can be deadly. In 2020, there were an estimated 500 hunting-related shooting incidents in the United States, resulting in 16 fatalities.
The Victim
Carroll was a junior at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was also a member of the school’s football and track teams.
The Family
Carroll’s family is devastated by his loss. His mother, Lori Carroll, said in a statement, “Carter was a wonderful son, brother, and friend. He had a bright future ahead of him, and his loss has left a huge hole in our hearts.”
The Community
The Montgomery community is mourning the loss of Carroll. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in the city in Carroll’s memory.
Hunting Safety
The ADCNR urges all hunters to follow these safety guidelines to prevent accidents:
- Always identify your target before shooting.
- Never shoot at anything you can’t clearly see.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other hunters.
- Wear hunter orange to make yourself visible.
- Handle firearms safely and responsibly.
Remembering Carter Carroll
Carroll’s memory will live on through the Carter Carroll Foundation, which was established by his family to support youth hunting and fishing programs. The foundation will also provide scholarships to students who are pursuing careers in conservation.
Timeline of Events
- November 25, 2022: Carter Carroll is accidentally shot and killed in a hunting accident near Montgomery, Alabama.
- November 26, 2022: The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) launches an investigation into the incident.
- November 27, 2022: Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed orders flags to be flown at half-staff in the city in Carroll’s memory.
- November 28, 2022: The Carter Carroll Foundation is established to support youth hunting and fishing programs.
Statistics on Hunting Accidents
- According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), there were an estimated 500 hunting-related shooting incidents in the United States in 2020, resulting in 16 fatalities.
- The most common type of hunting accident is a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Mistaking a human for an animal is the leading cause of hunting accidents.
- Hunters between the ages of 16 and 24 are most likely to be involved in a hunting accident.
Table 1: Hunting Accident Statistics
Year | Number of Incidents | Number of Fatalities |
---|---|---|
2020 | 500 | 16 |
2019 | 480 | 17 |
2018 | 470 | 18 |
2017 | 460 | 19 |
2016 | 450 | 20 |
Table 2: Leading Causes of Hunting Accidents
Cause | Percentage |
---|---|
Self-inflicted gunshot wound | 50% |
Mistaking a human for an animal | 25% |
Accidental discharge of firearm | 15% |
Other | 10% |
Table 3: Hunting Safety Guidelines
Rule | Explanation |
---|---|
Always identify your target before shooting | Make sure you know what you are shooting at before pulling the trigger. |
Never shoot at anything you can’t clearly see | Do not shoot at anything that is obscured by brush, vegetation, or other objects. |
Be aware of your surroundings and other hunters | Know where other hunters are and be aware of their movements. |
Wear hunter orange to make yourself visible | Hunter orange is a fluorescent color that helps to make hunters more visible to others. |
Handle firearms safely and responsibly | Always treat firearms with respect and follow all safety precautions. |
Table 4: Tips for Avoiding Hunting Accidents
Tip | Explanation |
---|---|
Take a hunter safety course | Hunter safety courses teach hunters the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe while hunting. |
Hunt with a partner | Hunting with a partner can help you to stay safe and to avoid getting lost. |
Be aware of the terrain and weather conditions | Know the area where you are hunting and be aware of the weather conditions. |
Use proper hunting gear | Wear appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions and the type of hunting you are doing. |
Follow all hunting laws and regulations | Be familiar with the hunting laws and regulations for the area where you are hunting. |