In the crisp autumn air of November 10, 2018, the life of Justin Atchison, a 24-year-old male, was tragically cut short in what was determined to be a hunting accident. An avid sportsman and a beloved assistant football and baseball coach at Willard High School, Atchison was well-regarded in his community. On the opening day of the firearms deer season, he was hunting just north of Cave Spring, Missouri, off Farm Road 81 in Greene County.
Details surrounding the incident suggest a sudden and unforeseen event. Before his death, Atchison sent a text message to his father indicating he had experienced a 'trip, fall, accident.' His body was discovered later that afternoon. Emergency services, including Mercy paramedics and the Greene County Sheriff's Office, responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m.
The Greene County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into the circumstances of Atchison's death. The investigation ultimately concluded that his death was the result of a tragic hunting accident. Authorities found no evidence of foul play in the incident.
As the death was ruled accidental, there were no arrests made in connection with the case, and authorities did not identify any suspects. The community was left to mourn the loss of a young man who had been a standout athlete at Willard High School and was pursuing a teaching degree at Missouri State University at the time of his passing. In his memory, the Justin Atchison Scholarship Fund was established to honor his legacy.
