A school student was accidentally shot and killed during a squirrel hunting incident in Iowa last weekend.

17-year-old Carson Ryan of Washington died as a result of gunshot wounds he sustained after being shot by a fellow hunter, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said. The shooter was not identified by authorities.

The tragic accident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, September 27. Authorities said that Ryan was "was mistaken for a squirrel by a member of his hunting party and was struck in the back of the head.

"Ryan was transported to UI Health Care Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries," the department added, noting that the incident is currently under investigation.

The young man was a final-year pupil at Washington High School and a member of its varsity football team, according to the Des Moines Register and the Southeast Iowa Union.

"Washington Boy's Track and Field team asks you keep Carson's Mom, family, classmates and teammates in your hearts as we navigate the devastating loss of Carson. Our hearts are broken," the team wrote in a Facebook post the day after Ryan's death.

That evening, a vigil was held by the secondary school to honour their former pupil.

Assistant football coach Nic Williams paid tribute, according to the Union. "Carson was a fierce competitor in everything he did," he said, according to the Union.

"He loved fishing. He loved being with his friends. But more importantly, Carson was a person of incredible faith."

A GoFundMe has also been established on behalf of Carson's family. It has raised over £38,000 ($51,000) as of Tuesday, September 30.

"Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," the description read. "His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void."

The heartbreaking incident has fuelled the ongoing debate surrounding gun laws and young people in America. The NYPD announced on Monday that a 13 year old boy was declared brain dead after being shot in the head whilst travelling to school.

In a separate incident, a mass shooting at a church in Michigan resulted in four fatalities and eight additional casualties. The gunman, identified as 40 year old former marine Thomas Jacob Sanford, drove his vehicle into the church before unleashing gunfire on those inside.