An afternoon of hunting for a Tri-state father and his two sons came to a tragic end Tuesday.
The 72-year-old father accidentally shot and killed his 36-year-old son.
It happened at the Quail Ridge Sportsman's Club in Manchester, in Dearborn County, Indiana.
9News spoke with family members outside Dearborn County Hospital Tuesday night.
They say they're still in shock, that something the family loved to do together could end so tragically.
James Watkins, 72, of Cincinnati, was out hunting with his sons when he fired his shotgun and hit one of them.
His son, 36-year-old James Watkins, whom everyone called Mikey, was rushed to Dearborn County Hospital where he died.
He is from Ripley County and leaves behind a wife and two children.
Police are still investigating what happened.
"It's still under investigation," said Lieutenant Anthony Stoll. "We have no details on how it happened. We're still interviewing witnesses trying to determine just how it played out."
The victim's 32-year-old brother and a friend, who was handling a hunting dog, were also there when the shooting took place.
Conservation officers say hunting accidents like this are very rare.
They say whether hunters use firearms or archery weapons, they're typically conscientious.
I keep my prayers with this fine family. I have known the brother involved for 4 years now, both as neighbors and friends, I coached his son in Basketball this winter, and this just sickens me to no end.