Ferrum student killed, another injured in hunting incident

MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE
Published: November 18, 2009

One Ferrum College student was shot fatally in the chest and another was injured in a hunting-related incident near the campus in Franklin County yesterday, authorities said.

College spokeswoman Natalie Faunce said an area resident was deer-hunting near the campus and mistook students for deer.

The incident occurred about 4 p.m. as three students were walking along an access road in a wooded area near an industrial property about a mile west of campus, authorities said.

The hunter told authorities he heard a rustling and fired once from a highpowered rifle, hitting two of the three students. The hunter was taken into custody, authorities said, but no charges have been placed.

One of the students, a young woman, was shot in the chest and killed, authorities said. The other, a young man who was walking with his arm around her, was shot in the hand, authorities said. The male student's injury was described as not life-threatening.

Officials declined to identify either student.

The hunter apparently called 911 after the incident, Faunce said.

College officials released the following emergency alert shortly after 5 p.m.: "Off-campus hunting accident. No danger to campus. One casualty. More information to follow."