ORANGEBURG, SC – A hunting expedition turned tragic in South Carolina, resulting in the accidental shooting death of a 13-year-old boy on Sunday. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources confirmed that Cameron Connor, the victim, was on a private hunting trip for squirrels with a friend when the incident occurred.
The ongoing investigation labels the shooting as a “hunting accident” with the authorities promising further updates when available. The department expressed condolences towards the boy’s family and loved ones in a statement.
Orangeburg County coroner’s office is performing an autopsy and toxicology tests, but a cause of death has not been publicly stated as of Wednesday.
Penny Wagers Connor, the boy’s mother, informed USA Today that the incident took place while Cameron and his best friend, also 13, were hunting ducks. Both boys were attending Dorchester Academy in St. George, S.C., where they were actively involved in the football and baseball teams.
Penny shared her heartfelt thanks to the community for their support and the magnitude of her loss in a Facebook post shared on Tuesday. She also paid a touching tribute to her late son, remembering him as a boy whose presence had touched many lives. As she shared her grief, Penny wrote, “Son, I’ll miss you every single day and until we meet again, I love you with all of my heart and soul.”