A California man hunting elk in northcentral Wyoming with his adult son died after being accidently shot.
The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office and Worland Police Department said the pair headed back toward their pickup when they encountered a rock face. While handing the rifles so he could climb up the rock face, one of the rifles discharged striking Ron Blank in the chest. His son, Dan, immediately rendered first aid and contacted authorities.
Adverse conditions did not allow ambulances to reach the site. Dan used cell phone contact and handgun shots to guide first responders to the scene who conducted triage and stabilized the victim for transport. A helicopter flew Blank to a hospital in Worland where he died while in surgery.
This case is still under investigation by the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office and the Washakie County Coroner’s Office. Authorities notified the family and made arrangements to return Ron Blank’s remains to California.
(Photo source: Washakie County Sheriff’s Office and Worland Police Department)