On March 14, 2022, a tragic incident claimed the life of 17-year-old Native American male Hayden Lake Youngman Afraid of His Horses at his home near Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Born on August 4, 2004, in Pine Ridge, Hayden was known for his kind and gentle nature. He had aspirations of becoming an engineer and was also considering serving in the military after finishing his education.
The events that led to his untimely death unfolded while he was with friends, preparing to go to a creek.
While handling a firearm, and tragically unaware that a bullet remained in the chamber, Hayden pointed the gun at his head in a playful manner and pulled the trigger. The resulting gunshot wound was fatal. This devastating accident was witnessed by several of his family members, including younger relatives, leaving them deeply traumatized.
The passing of Hayden profoundly impacted his family and the wider Pine Ridge community. His grandmother, Holly Wilson, endured further heartbreak as she had lost another grandson to a fatal shooting just a few months later in May 2022. In the wake of these tragedies, the family sought equine therapy to help the surviving children cope with their trauma. Funeral services for Hayden were held on March 25, 2022, at Joyner Hall in Pine Ridge, and he was laid to rest at the Wilson Family Cemetery near Oglala. His death was ruled an accidental shooting, and as such, there have been no reports of arrests or suspects. The community gathered to remember his gentle spirit and the future he had ahead of him.
