Fatal hunting incident in Marion County

MARION COUNTY – Iowa DNR conservation officers responded to a fatal hunting incident on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, around 4:30 p.m. near Lake Red Rock.

The incident happened at Robert's Creek Park on the north side of Lake Red Rock. Blake E. Schroder, 23, or Leighton, Iowa, was fatally struck by a round believed to be fired from a member of his large hunting party.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing at this time.

An autopsy is pending on Schroder at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny.

DNR officials remind hunters of the following safety tips:

- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded

- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction

- Know your intended target and its surroundings

- Do not touch the trigger of the gun until you're ready to shoot