A South Carolina man and his 9-year-old daughter were killed on New Year’s Day when they were reportedly mistaken for deer.
Four hunters were attempting to move deer near Barracada Road in Walterboro, South Carolina, about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday when the father and daughter, Kim and Lauren Drawdy, were shot, according to a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources release.
The Department of Natural Resources is investigating whether Drawdy, 30, and his daughter were wearing blaze orange safety gear, and an update will be provided once the investigation is complete, spokesman David Lucas told The Associated Press. The deadly hunting accident happened on the last day of hunting season.
A Facebook fundraiser has been set up to cover the funeral costs. As of Friday, it had raised about $4,200 of its $35,000 goal.
“Kim Drawdy and his daughter Lauren (were) both tragically killed in a hunting accident on New Year's Day. We are trying to raise money to help with funeral costs for both of these precious souls. Anything helps, and all prayers are appreciated,” read a message on the page.
In 2019, there were 16 hunting accidents across South Carolina, and 11 of those involved firearms. There were two fatalities that involved firearms, according to Lucas.
“It’s not a thing that happens a lot,” Lucas said. “Hunting accidents are rare in general, and fatalities even more so.”
A night of prayer is scheduled in honor of the Drawdys at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Zion Baptist Church, 152 Ruffin Road, Walterboro.
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