Johnson County
Sheriff's Office
Clarksville, Arkansas
Badge/Patch
Mobile Version Like us on Facebook!
11/29/2012

Hunting Accident Leaves Johnson County Resident Dead

A 43 year-old resident of Coal Hill was shot and killed in an apparent hunting accident on Wednesday, November 28 at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Thomas Edward (Eddie) Sears was walking along a trail beside Horsehead Creek off of County Road 3151 when he was shot.

Witnesses say that a resident of 3724 CR 3151 was sitting in a swing in his back yard when he saw movement across the creek from his residence.

The shooter retreived a 30-30 rifle and fired one shot at what he thought was a deer.  After the shot was fired, the shooter and witnesses heard a yell.

The resident went to investigate and discovered Sears lying in the trail approximately 144 yards from the residence.  He returned to the residence and called 911.

Sheriff's Office personnel along with EMS responded to the scene where Sears was pronounced dead by Deputy Coroner Ricky Harp.

The body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy.

The Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Game and Fish are involved in the investigation which is continuing.

Sears was apparently not hunting as he was not wearing any hunter safety clothing and no weapon was found near him.  It is unknown why Sears was walking down the trail where he was shot.