A “happy-go-lucky” South Carolina 13-year-old was accidentally shot dead by his best friend while they were squirrel hunting – and his mom said in a heartbreaking post that “heaven gained an angel.”
Cameron Connor, an eighth-grader at the Dorchester Academy, and his pal were hunting on private property near Santee, about 65 miles northwest of Charleston, Sunday when the tragedy occurred, officials said.
The state Department of Natural Resources gave few details about what happened, but said in a post on X that “two friends were squirrel hunting on private land when one shot the other” and called the incident a “hunting accident.”
“This is an ongoing investigation, and we will update as we’re able,” the agency said. “Our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones.”
Cameron’s grieving mother thanked the community for the outpouring of support.
“As a parent, this is one of the most difficult tragedies to navigate and process. Please hold your children extra tight and tell them you love them,” Peggy Wagers Connor, of Harleyville, wrote on Facebook.
“Please pray for myself, Bryson, Marshall, Kelly, Finnley and our families as we grieve the loss of our sweet Cameron. Please pray for his best friend and his family,” she wrote.
“Heaven gained an angel last night. His presence made an impact on so many people. … Son, I’ll miss you every single day and until we meet again, I love you with all of my heart and soul,” said the mom, who told USA Today the boys were hunting ducks.
Cameron pitched for the private school’s baseball team and played tight end for the football team, she told USA Today, adding that his best friend also played on the teams.
“He would rather fish than sleep. He made a huge impact at his school as well as in our community,” Wagers Connor told the outlet. “He had the ability to make anyone laugh with his amazing fishing and hunting stories that he loved to share.”
She told The Times and Democrat that the family “joked that he could put a hook in the water and a fish would get it.
“He danced to the beat of his own drum. Always happy and smiling,” the mom told the outlet.
“He was very personable and loved life. He never met a stranger. He was friendly and kindhearted and loved his family. He was just overall a really good kid. He would do anything for anybody,” she added.
The tragic teen’s father, Marshall Connor of Dorchester, told USA Today that his son always had a positive attitude.
“He loved the outside, was outgoing, kind and generous,” he said and also asked for prayers for Cameron’s friend and his family.
“We’re asking people to wrap them up in love as well,” he said Tuesday.
The parents stressed the importance of teaching children about 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 mom told USA Today.
In addition to his parents, Cameron is survived by his brother Bryson, 17, half-brother, Finnley, 5, and his step-mother, Kelly Connor.
“My son was truly an angel walking around on this earth,” Wagers Connor said. “Now, he’s an angel watching over us.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been scheduled.