I just got a really distressing email regarding Aaron Myers, who is pictured here with his grandfather after a hunt last fall.

Aaron’s uncle, Mark  Myers, wanted me to know that Aaron was killed in an auto accident late Sunday night. Aaron, who has been a regular contributor to the Wild Life over the years, was just 26.

Aaron’s brother, Steven, was in the truck and was critically injured.

Over the years I’ve mentioned the passing of other friends on this blog. This one is especially hard because Aaron was so young. I knew him only through our email correspondence but from that I could see that he really had a big heart. I’m going to post, again, the story that he sent to go with this picture and when you read it you’ll know exactly what I mean. (UPDATE, 2:21 p.m. Wednesday. Mark Myers just informed me that the family has asked that donations in Aaron’s name can be made to Hunters for the Hungry, of which Aaron was a supporter over the years. )

My heart goes out to Aaron’s loved ones. Let’s keep them, and Steven, in our thoughts and prayers.

Aaron’s story from last fall:

“I was able to hunt a few days during Indiana’s opener with my grandpa, which I look forward to every year.  It’s a good nine-hour drive but it’s something I look forward to every year.  My Grandpa is pushing 80 now and from the looks of him he has plenty more seasons ahead of him.  He trained me from the age of 10 years old.

I remember walking behind him as we trailed rabbits in wheat patches and sometimes I would spot one before he would, then boom, and I would get all the credit after he made the shot.  Then he took me into the deer woods, watched me, advised me and taught me everything from where to hunt to what happens after the hunt.

Many years have passed since then and this year was a little different as I was able to go for opening firearms which I usually miss due to coming during Thanksgiving in the past.  The rut was on and I went back to a spot I had seen good sign before.  It was right at last shooting light a doe came trotting in at the bottom of a revine followed by a rush of thunder as big boy was right on her crashing through the woods.  I picked a spot out and the 20 gauge rifled shotgun did the job at  120 yards.

My Grandpa came down the hill to check it out and I could do nothing but hug him.  With the help of our buddy Ron we were able to drag him out of the ravine in his four-wheeler.   It’s a story I will tell my kids one day if I have any, and its something I will never forget nor will my grandpa.  This was a special week of memories from the past and present.  This is why I love the outdoors and will always cherish every moment in the field.”