Police said a 20-year-old Arkansas man died on Sunday in what officials believe is a hunting accident.
Jared James Sykes, a student at Arkansas Tech University and an Arkansas National Guard member, died after paramedics rushed him to the Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville on Jan. 17. He had a single gunshot wound, Newsweek reported.
Subsequently, Yell County Sheriff Bill Gilkey said Monday that his deputies and officers of the state’s Game and Fish Commission responded to a shooting at Carden Bottoms, which is in Galla Rock Township near Dardanelle.
However, officials haven’t released much information on the shooting. But Yell County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief John Foster told KCTV that it was a hunting accident. Though the investigation is ongoing, officials said.
Officials turned Sykes’ body over to the Arkansas State Medical Examiner, who will determine the cause of death.
Obituary for the Late Teen Killed in Hunting Incident
The obituary for Sykes reads: “Jared brought light and mischief into the world from the day he was born until the moment his family lost him.
“If you knew Jared, you probably have a story to share. He could make you laugh until you cried; Jared was smart, handsome, kind, loving, caring, ornery, mischievous and just downright likeable. He was known for his laidback, ‘It’ll be alright’ attitude.
“He was loved immensely and mothered by many, in addition to his own mom. But he took it all in stride—often by ignoring the extra input with a grin and a nod. Jared would do anything needed for family and friends—from moving furniture to having a caring, listening ear. Family and friends were important to him and he lived that out.”
In November, someone accidentally shot and killed a 14-year-old. A gun they were loading into a truck slipped, fell, and fired killing him and injuring his brother, KCTV reported.
