Family of boy killed in weekend hunting accident devastated

LOGAN — Sheriff’s deputies have released the identity of the 10-year-old boy who was killed after a hunting accident.

Cache County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Matt Bilodeau said Zachary Woodruff of Smithfield was reportedly with family southeast of Red Spur Saturday night. Another man who knew the family, pulled up next to the boy on a four-wheeler and was removing a rifle when it fired, striking and killing Woodruff.

Bilodeau said deputies have been in contact with the family. They are devastated and have asked for privacy, while coping with the loss of their son.

“They are in a state of shock,” said Bilodeau. “We had a frank conversation with them. We asked them if they wanted to meet and talk with the press or anybody. They said they did not. We asked them if there was anything they would like to express through us and the press. They said no.”

“Their desire right now is to be left alone and they are surrounding themselves with family and friends, people that support them. They are still trying to figure out what is going on and trying to deal with their loss.”

Bilodeau said in addition to the Woodruff family, the man who accidentally caused the shooting is beyond devastated.

“These are people that know each other well and to have something this horrific happen in their lives, they are just trying to deal with it right now.”

Life Flight crews pronounced Woodruff dead at the scene. His body was turned over to medical examiners to determine the exact cause of death.

Bilodeau said investigators have initially ruled the shooting was accidental because there was no intent, but deputies are still trying to determine how it happened.

“We don’t know if it’s a combination of a malfunction, human error or one or the other. It is still under investigation. We are not really commenting on it right now. We still have to conduct interviews.”

“Right after something that happens that is that tragic, you have to go in and get immediate comments that are helpful. To get the true picture, there needs to be a little space and some time to reflect, before we can get a really good interview on what happened.”

In addition to the families involved, counselors are also being called in to help the deputies and search and rescue crews who were on the scene.

Bilodeau is asking for prayers for both families involved and said it will take a tremendous effort by everyone to bring some understanding to what happened.

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