A fatal hunting accident in rural Fulton County, Indiana, claimed the life of 31‑year‑old Andrew Boots of North Judson on the night of Saturday, February 28, 2026. Emergency personnel were dispatched just before 10:30 p.m. to an area near County Road 500 West, just south of State Road 110 outside Culver, after a 911 call reported a serious hunting incident. The location is a wooded stretch commonly used for nighttime raccoon hunting, and several individuals were in the area at the time.
According to Indiana Conservation Officers, the group had been raccoon hunting when one hunter attempted to shoot a raccoon that was climbing a tree. The round struck the tree at an angle and ricocheted, hitting Boots in the abdomen as he stood nearby. The impact caused catastrophic internal injuries, and fellow hunters immediately called for help while attempting to provide aid until first responders arrived.
Boots was quickly transported from the scene and taken by emergency medical personnel to Memorial Hospital in South Bend for advanced treatment. Despite efforts by trauma staff, he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have emphasized that the shooting was accidental, and no foul play is suspected at this stage of the investigation.
The incident has deeply affected the small hunting community in Fulton and Starke counties, where nighttime raccoon hunting is a longstanding tradition. Friends and family described Boots as an experienced outdoorsman who was familiar with the terrain and the activity. His sudden death has left many in shock, prompting renewed conversations about nighttime visibility, spacing between hunters, and the unpredictable nature of ricochet risks when shooting toward trees.
Indiana Conservation Officers spent hours processing the scene, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the trajectory of the ricocheted round. They noted that even experienced hunters can face unexpected hazards in low‑light conditions, especially when shooting at steep angles or toward hard surfaces. The investigation remains active as officials continue reviewing statements and ballistic evidence to finalize their report.
As the community mourns, Boots’ family is remembering him as a beloved son, friend, and outdoorsman whose life was cut short in a tragic accident. Local residents and fellow hunters have expressed condolences and support, emphasizing the need for caution and safety awareness during nighttime hunting activities. The loss has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and on the broader community that shares the tradition he loved.