KY school district to dismiss classes early after student dies in hunting accident
Classes in Dawson Springs Independent School District will be dismissed early Wednesday to allow students to attend the funeral of an 11th grader who died over the weekend in a hunting accident.
Superintendent Lenny Whalen said in a social media statement Aden McKinney, 17, a student at Dawson Springs High School, died early Jan. 3 following injuries sustained in a hunting accident.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Aden’s family, friends, classmates, and all who are grieving. Counselors and support staff will be available for students and faculty on Monday and as needed as we navigate this difficult loss together,” Whalen said. “Our support and thoughts are with Aden’s family. We’ll continue to treasure our memories of Aden, forever a Panther.”
Dawson Springs straddles the Hopkins-Caldwell county line in Western Kentucky.
McKinney died Saturday at Vanderbilt University hospital in Nashville, where he was taken Friday, according to his obituary.
Christian County Sheriff’s Office officials confirmed to the Herald-Leader Tuesday the agency is investigating the death of the 17-year-old who was shot when a hunting weapon discharged in that county.
After the accident, McKinney’s father, Ernie McKinney, posted a plea on Facebook for people to “say a prayer for my boy Aden McKinney.”
“He was a passionate outdoor enthusiast, embracing moments spent in nature, particularly hunting with his family. Riding horses also brought him immense joy, creating unforgettable memories in the great outdoors that he cherished deeply,” McKinney’s obituary reads.
A GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses is also live.
“Aden was a loving, caring, sweet, and compassionate child who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him,” Sabrina Ross, a family friend said in the online appeal.
“He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed trucks, horses, ATVs, hunting, and anything that let him be outside doing what he loved most,” the fundraiser reads.
Services for McKinney are set for 1 p.m. Wednesday at Beshear Funeral Home in Dawson Springs.