On November 16, 2018, Matthew Boeck, a 29-year-old Caucasian male from Howell, Michigan, was found deceased in a wooded area near Lewiston. An avid hunter, Boeck had traveled to the area for the second day of Michigan's firearms deer season. He had positioned himself in a 'nest of pine and oak trees' off a utility right-of-way on state land.
Later that day, another hunter, located about 75 yards from Boeck, fired at what he believed to be a buck near a bait pile situated between the two
men. The bullet from the 30-30 lever-action rifle missed its intended target and struck Boeck in the left temple. It is believed that he died almost instantly. When Boeck did not return to the cabin where he was staying, his stepfather initiated a search and eventually contacted the authorities around midnight.
Michigan State Police and the Oscoda County Sheriff's Department discovered Boeck's body in the early morning hours. He was found next to his stool, dressed in camouflage hunting attire with a hunter orange stocking cap that was reportedly covered by other hoods. An investigation into the shooting was conducted by law enforcement and state conservation officers. The hunter who fired the shot was identified, but after a thorough review of the evidence, the Oscoda County Prosecutor determined that criminal charges were not warranted. The incident was ultimately ruled a tragic hunting accident, and consequently, no arrests were made.
