The case of the young boy who went missing in West Virginia has come to a sad conclusion.
The boy was found dead, having gone missing during a hunting trip with his grandfather.
According to police, Wyatt Eaves-Nibert, 10, was with this grandfather on Saturday morning.
They were out hunting in Point Pleasant in a wooded area.
The boy and his grandfather stopped to take a break, but the boy finished up first and then took a walk to look for some squirrels. His grandfather finished up his lunch and called out for the boy, but he never answered.
He was carrying a .22 caliber rifle as well as wearing camouflage when he went missing.
His mother was obviously distraught upon learning that her 10-year-old boy had gone missing.
However, she insisted that he was well-educated on handling weapons and knew the proper protocols.
Adrienne Nibert, the boy's mother, stated:
"Wyatt was very trained on gun safety. He knew not to walk around without the safety off and he knew to carry the gun on his back with it pointed in the air. He had very good trigger discipline."
So far, the police have offered few details in the case, and they are not even saying if foul play is suspected.
The Mason County Sheriff's Office stated:
"The missing juvenile has been located. The case is still under investigation at this time.
"Please accept our sincere appreciation for all the volunteer help. At this time we do not need anymore volunteers. Thank you."
A local news outlet said that Wyatt had been located on Sunday dead from a gunshot wound.
This being that time of year, and a tragedy such as this, it is a good time for a hunting safety refresher. This would especially be the case for those of you with young children you will be taking out for the first time.
Here are some of the top concerns and tips:
Knowledge – do not be afraid to take a formal gun safety class rather than going on the knowledge that has been handed down from generation to generation. These classes can be a good refresher for even a seasoned hunter.
Clothing – hunters love their camouflage, but it can also make it harder for other hunters to see you. Wearing bright orange is recommended to prevent accidental shootings.
Footwear – as you guys know, hunting grounds are loaded with rocks, sticks, and uneven footing, so a sturdy pair of boots should be worn to prevent accidental slips.
Safe Gun Use – always ensure the gun has been cleared when handing over a weapon. Always handle the gun as if it is loaded, regardless of whether it is loaded. Better safe than sorry. Never point a gun at another person. Look down range when preparing to fire to ensure there is nobody behind the target that could accidentally be wounded with a bad shot or if the bullet passes through the target. If you are using someone else's weapon, familiarize yourself with that weapon before heading out.
For more gun safety and hunting tips, visit the Texas Farm Bureau or the US Forest Service.
