AI was utilized in the writing of this article.
Jimmy Dean
January 23, 2024
In a tragic incident that has left a community in mourning, a 13-year-old South Carolina boy, identified as Cameron Connor, lost his life during a hunting trip with his best friend. The incident occurred in Orangeburg County on Sunday and is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The preliminary findings suggest that the shooting was accidental (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 2024).
The incident took place on a property in Santee, approximately 65 miles northwest of Charleston. The state agency has expressed its condolences to the grieving family and promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 2024).
Cameron Connor was from Dorchester and was an eighth-grade student at Dorchester Academy. His mother, Penny Wagers Connor, revealed that Cameron and his best friend were hunting ducks when the unfortunate incident occurred (USA TODAY, 2024).
Cameron was an active participant in school sports, playing as a pitcher for the baseball team and as a tight end for the football team. His best friend also played on both teams. Cameron’s mother described him as a happy-go-lucky boy who loved hunting and fishing. “He would rather fish than sleep,” she said. “He made a huge impact at his school as well as in our community” (USA TODAY, 2024).
Cameron’s father, Marshall Connor, echoed these sentiments, describing his son as outgoing, kind, and generous. He requested prayers for their family and for the family of Cameron’s best friend who are also dealing with this tragic loss (USA TODAY, 2024).
In light of this tragedy, Cameron’s parents have stressed the importance of teaching youth about proper gun safety. “We were adamant about teaching Cam the importance of making sure the safety was always on and how dangerous a firearm can be if mishandled,” his mother said (USA TODAY, 2024).
Cameron is survived by his parents, his 17-year-old brother Bryson Conner, his 5-year-old half-brother Finnley Connor, and his step-mother, Kelly Connor. His mother fondly remembered him as an angel on earth and now believes he is an angel watching over them (USA TODAY, 2024).