Duck hunter fatally shot by member of his hunting party, North Carolina officials say

A man who was well-known in the North Carolina hunting community was accidentally shot and killed Monday while duck hunting in coastal Hyde County, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Brandon Marshall was struck by gunfire “while hunting with family at a waterfowl impoundment in Hyde County,” officials said in a news release.

Marshall was from the Englehard community in Hyde County on the Pamlico Sound.

“Marshall was accidentally shot in the leg while in a duck blind with his son,” Daniel Kennedy of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said in a news release.

“Marshall’s brother, who was in a duck blind next to the victim and his son, offered assistance to Marshall until N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission officers and first responders arrived on the scene. Life saving measures were administered by law enforcement and EMS, but unfortunately Marshall (did) succumb to his wounds before being transported to the hospital.”

The identity of the family member who shot Marshall was not released.

Investigators say the shooting was an “unforeseeable accident and that everything possible was done to save Marshall’s life.”

Marshall was known in the state as an advocate for hunting and hunting safety, according to North Carolina Ducks Unlimited.

“No words can express how deeply heartbroken we are by the news we received today that a great member of the DU family has tragically lost their life,” the group said in a Facebook post.

“Brandon Marshall has been a dedicated leader and long time supporter of the Hyde County DU Chapter, a strong conservationist, a friend and true pillar in the community, and an amazing husband and father! ... You will be dearly missed by so many who you have had a positive impact in their lives.”

Peggy Boyd Gabriel, who counted herself as a fan of Marshall’s good deeds, posted on Facebook that he worked “hard to make our community a better place.”

“He was always doing something organizing hunting or (a) seafood festival and sports for the kids,” she wrote. “He made things happen! He did so much.”

This story was originally published January 26, 2021 at 7:46 AM with the headline "Duck hunter fatally shot by member of his hunting party, North Carolina officials say."