Image: indiana_raccoon

A 31-year-old coon hunter was killed when a bullet ricocheted off a tree and hit him in the stomach. (Photo by Frank Mathers)

A northern Indiana man was killed after a bullet fired by a fellow raccoon hunter ricocheted off a tree and hit him in the stomach.

According to fox59.com, conservation officers are investigating the death of Andrew Boots, a 31-year-old man from North Judson, who was killed in the incident, which occurred Saturday night, February 28, in Fulton County.

When EMS crews were called to the scene, they found Boots suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

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According to a preliminary investigation, Boots was out hunting with a group when one person attempted to shoot at a raccoon climbing a tree. The fired round ricocheted off of the tree and struck Boots, who was standing nearby.

The injured man was taken to South Bend Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Conservation Officers said the investigation into the fatal accident is active and ongoing.