In the crisp autumn air of rural Aurora, Minnesota, the life of a vibrant and beloved teenager, Corwin M. Johnson, a 16-year-old Caucasian male, came to a tragic end on Saturday, November 11, 2017. He was discovered by a member of his own hunting party, lifeless in a deer stand from a gunshot wound in White Township, a short distance from his hometown. The initial report to the St.
Louis County Sheriff's Office suggested an accidental shooting, a heartbreaking possibility during the hunting season.
Corwin was a junior at Mesabi East High School and a hardworking employee in the housekeeping department at Giants Ridge. He was known for his deep appreciation for the outdoors, often spending his time deer hunting and fishing. A skilled young man, he reloaded his own rifle shells and crafted his own fishing lures. His "man cave" in the garage was his sanctuary, but he was equally at home four-wheeling or sharing time with his hunting companions. His strong faith was evident through his active membership at Our Lady of Hope Parish, where he had been baptized and attended catechism.
The community recognized Corwin for his selflessness and willingness to help others, regardless of their age. He was an active member of the Iron Range Youth In Action and had recently been honored with an award for his volunteer work by the mayor. His sudden death left a void in the hearts of his family, including his mother, sisters, and brothers, as well as a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who cherished him.
As the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office delved deeper into the circumstances of his death, the initial belief of a hunting accident shifted. Based on further information gathered during their investigation, authorities reclassified the incident, concluding that foul play was not suspected and that the gunshot wound was self-inflicted. The investigation was subsequently ruled a suicide, bringing a sorrowful conclusion to the life of a young man remembered for his kindness, faith, and adventurous spirit.
