Hunter in intensive care after accidentally shooting himself in the chest

BOSTON — An 18-year-old is in the intensive care unit after family members say his gun accidentally discharged in Orange.

Family members say Hunter Richardson was out hunting with his father, brother and cousin when he shot himself in the chest by mistake.

"Hunter went to test the ice with his gun, and the gun discharged, striking him in the upper left chest," his father, Marc Richardson, said.

The group was hunting in the area of Tully Road in Orange.

"I heard a gunshot, waited, I thought he shot at a deer. My cousin was screaming for me. I dropped my gun and ran over to him. My cousin was performing first aid on him," Hunter's younger brother, Miller, said.

They called Hunter's father using their radio and quickly began working to stabilize Hunter.

"They covered the wound, elevated his legs...I took direct pressure to the wound," Hunter's father said. "I checked his back for an exit wound. Checked to make sure he was breathing."

First-responders were able to stabilize Hunter and minimize blood loss.

"The rescue team of the volunteer firefighters in Orange and Athol were instrumental in saving Hunter's life," Hunter's father said.

Environmental police reminded hunters to maintain control over the muzzle of their rifles at all times and keep them pointed in a safe direction.

"A safe direction means that, in the event the firearm discharges, it will not cause injury or damage," the agency wrote in the post.

Hunter remains in the intensive care unit. The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover the medical expenses.

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