15-Year Old Salem Boy Killed in Hunting Accident (UPDATE)

"The youth was wearing camouflage clothing in an area where the party had seen elk earlier" - Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree

Salem-News.com

(MCMINNVILLE, Ore.) - A 15-year old Salem boy died Sunday morning when he was shot and killed by a member of his hunting party. Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree, says 15-year old Matthew Gretzon, who lived on Middlegrove Drive in Salem, was hunting with his father, Rodney Phillip Gretzon, uncle Troy Layne Gretzon of Grand Ronde, and Troy's 11-year old daughter.

"The parties were hunting in the 59000 block of Highway 22, approximately 3 miles north of Grand Ronde. Matthew was struck in the back at 10:30 a.m. when his uncle fired through heavy brush" Crabtree said.

"Matthew was wearing camouflage clothing in an area where the party had seen elk earlier".

"Situations like this are strong reminders that safety clothing, such as orange vests and hats, should be worn while hunting. The first and foremost concern of each hunter should be to make certain that they are clearly identifiable to other hunters" Crabtree said.

Officials in Yamhill County say a 15-year old Salem boy was killed this morning when he was shot by a member of his hunting party.

Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree, says the victim, his father, sister and uncle were hunting in the 59000 block of Highway 22, approximately 3 miles north of Grand Ronde.

"At this point it appears that the youth was struck in the back at 10:30 a.m. when his uncle fired through heavy brush," Crabtree said.

"The youth was wearing camouflage clothing in an area where the party had seen elk earlier."

Crabtree says the names of the parties are being withheld until family can be notified.

More information will be released at 10:00 a.m. Monday.