Bruce Best, a 65-year-old resident of Oak Hill, Florida, tragically lost his life on January 20, 2016, in what was reported as a hunting accident. The incident occurred in a wooded, swampy area of Oak Hill, where Best was hunting with his friend, Leeshawn Sutton, also 65. According to reports, Sutton mistakenly identified Best as a deer and fired a 12-gauge shotgun in his direction.
The shot proved fatal, and Sutton immediately called 911, expressing his distress and explaining that he had accidentally shot his friend.
Emergency services faced challenges in locating the scene due to its remote location. A sheriff's office helicopter eventually guided ground units to the site, where deputies confirmed Best's death. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission assisted in the investigation, which was described as a tragic accident.
Authorities, including the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. They released Sutton's 911 call, in which he expressed his panic and sorrow over the accident. Despite the tragic nature of the event, investigators did not find any evidence of foul play or intentional harm. The shooting was ultimately classified as an accidental death, and no charges were filed against Sutton.
The community of Oak Hill was deeply affected by the incident, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of Best. He was remembered as an experienced woodsman and a well-known figure in the local hunting community. The accident occurred just before the end of the hunting season, adding to the sense of loss among those who knew him.
