Wyatt Ray Eaves-Nibert, a 10-year-old White/Caucasian male from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, died after a hunting trip in Mason County turned into an overnight search and then a devastating discovery. He had gone squirrel hunting with his grandfather on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in the Salt Creek area near Gallipolis Ferry. What began as time outdoors between a boy and the grandfather he was described as being very close to soon became a frantic emergency when Wyatt walked away after lunch to look for squirrels and did not return.
According to reports, Wyatt had been carrying a. 22-caliber rifle and was wearing camouflage clothing when he disappeared. His mother, Adrienne Nibert, later said Wyatt and his grandfather had been eating lunch together when Wyatt told him he was going to walk around a path or road area to see if he could spot squirrels. After finishing lunch, his grandfather called for him but could not find him.
Around that same time, the grandfather was reportedly involved in an ATV accident while trying to locate Wyatt, which brought first responders and law enforcement into the area.
The search quickly expanded. Volunteers, deputies, firefighters, and West Virginia State Police searched through the wooded area from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. Early Sunday, September 10, 2023, Wyatt was found dead in the woods. Investigators said he had suffered a single gunshot wound. His body was sent to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office as authorities continued trying to determine exactly what happened.
Wyatt’s death was especially painful for his family because, according to his mother, he was familiar with firearms and had been taught gun safety. She said he knew how to carry a gun properly, understood the importance of keeping the safety on, and had good trigger discipline. That made the circumstances of the gunshot wound difficult for his loved ones to understand, and his mother publicly said she was looking for answers.
Wyatt was remembered as a fifth-grade student at Roosevelt Elementary School in Mason County who loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, wrestling, heavy metal music, and anything connected to the military. His mother said he wanted to become a Marine when he grew up and described him as respectful, caring, and the kind of child who worried about everyone else before himself. The bond between Wyatt and his grandfather was described as very close, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking for the family and community.
No arrests, charges, suspects, trial, or conviction were reported in connection with Wyatt’s death in the available online reporting. Authorities had not publicly stated whether they believed foul play was involved or whether the shooting was accidental. The case was reported as being under investigation, with the medical examiner’s review expected to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal gunshot wound.
