@ wpsark, that is the whole point that i was trying to make! Thank you!!

After going to the visitation last night and seeing Eric's mother collapsing on the ground and passing out because she was so overwhelmed by the fact that she lost her baby boy, I now understand that life is a mystery, just like the freak-accident way things happened in this incident. I would never wish our pain on anyone, and thank you to all of you that have shown your sympathy and for those who haven't, I hope this never happens to you. R.I.P Eric!

SJTurney and Gearhead - THANK YOU for your comments.. Unfortunately there are always some who prefer to twist and distort a situation with misinformation and ignorance to create discontent, without a thought for the friends and families of those affected.. It's heartwarming to know these young men have such good families and you friends around them, especially during this tragedy.. I Cheer for your comments, level heads and compassion.. Thanks again, and May God help ALL to find comfort..

As a friend of Eric's, I find it somewhat offensive that everyone is jumping to the conclusion that they were boys who weren't paying attention and should've been smarter. It was a freak accident that could've happened to anyone. It is a normal thing for us to go out with guns because of the fact that we have grown up around them all of our lives. I don't believe it was fair that a good friend of mine will no longer be in my life, BUT i do not blame anyone for it. No one will ever know why it happened, but God had a reason like he does for everything, and may Eric's soul find peace in Heaven riding fourwheelers and shooting guns all he wants.

Bluejeanchick, Since you write as if you know the 24 y/o involved, did you take the time to contact him before you logged onto two news sites and made these posts? Because if you had, you would know that they were riding the ATV's out into the property with the intention of shooting guns. You would also know that what the 24 y/o is putting himself through agonizing over the loss of Eric's life in this tragic accident is far worse than any legal punishment that could be handed down to him. I can say with absolute certainty that those who know and love these three men all stand behind them and understand that this was just a terrible, terrible accident. So, instead of coming on here and posting these comments, how about you do your part and investigate properly before you put potentially hurtful words on the internet for the families and victims of this tragedy to see? Because you obviously posted those words with the intention of inflaming an already painful situation and rub salt in the wounds of those who are in mourning. Where is the responsibility and accountability for your actions?

My heart goes out to the victim's family and the accidental shooter, you know he's feeling horrible...I don't understand how anyone who has had any kind of gun safety training could accidentally shoot someone...Rule number one, unless you're pointing at the target, then never point a gun anywhere but down, no matter if it's loaded or unloaded...Very sad and what's sadder is it should have and could have been prevented. Guns are a serious thing and you should always treat them like they're loaded and ready to be fired.

@bluejeanchick you mentioned he has been around guns his whole life right? Indeed that proves this was truly a tragic accident. "An accident or mishap is an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance, often with lack of intention or necessity." Hundreds of thousands of people ride four wheels and carry firearms so maybe we are living in the Wild Wild West and you are just out of touch?!?! Please save some time and quit bouncing network to network defaming this young man who has plenty of healing to do himself. Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

bluejeanchick, when you come down from your mountain, you can kiss my ass. They didnt have the guns in a mount on the ATV, so you want to chastise them for that, they were riding around out in the country side with guns, so you want to chastise them for that. In other words............. shut up.

First of all, this guy has a concealed carry license, has been around guns his whole life, and should know to always point a firearm in a safe direction, whether it is loaded or unloaded. Secondly, who in their right mind would ride in the woods with a loaded gun on their person, not even bothering to holster it, just putting it in their pocket? When riding on ATV with a firearm, they are supposed to be secured in a mount on the ATV. And last, but not least, while I fully believe in exercising our Second Amendent rights, was it really necessary to carry a loaded firearm on ATV ride with friends? We are, after all, not living in the Wild, Wild West where a sidearm on your hip is necessary. Ialso find it odd that the media is only releasing the name of the victim, the perpretrator after all, is an adult! I am sure that this was, indeed, a tragic accident, but where is the accountability? Should a 24-year-old man be held accountable for his actions and poor decision making?

I know two of the guys all of their lives.It was an accident that is all it could have been they are great kids.