In a suspected hunting accident in Ostwestfalen, a 23-year-old was killed by an acquaintance. The incident occurred on Friday evening in a wooded area near Warburg, where four young people were hunting. Police suspect a tragic accident but are continuing investigations.
On Friday evening, four young people aged 22 to 24 went on a hunting trip in a rugged wooded area in Warburg, Ostwestfalen. The 22-year-old shooter climbed a hunting stand with two companions, while the 23-year-old was alone on the neighboring stand. The two stands were at least 100 meters apart.
For an unclear reason, a shot discharged from the 22-year-old's weapon. The shot struck the 23-year-old on the distant stand, injuring him so severely that rescue services could not save him despite immediate resuscitation attempts. The man died in the forest.
"We currently assume a tragic hunting accident," a police spokesman said. However, the exact circumstances are still being investigated, particularly how the shot hit the acquaintance at a distance of more than 100 meters. Forensics re-examined the scene in daylight.
Police and prosecutors are investigating on suspicion of negligent homicide. They are also checking whether the hunting party's members had valid hunting and weapons permits. This suspected accident among acquaintances highlights the risks of hunting.
