Hayden Lake Youngman Afraid of His Horses, 17, died on March 14, 2022, at his home near Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Born August 4, 2004, Hayden was described as kind and gentle, with plans to study engineering and possibly serve in the military after finishing his education.

According to accounts, Hayden was with friends preparing to go to a creek when he handled a firearm that still had a bullet in the chamber. Playfully pointing the gun at his head, he pulled the trigger; the gunshot wound proved fatal. Several family members, including younger relatives, reportedly witnessed the shooting. The death was ruled an accidental shooting and no arrests or suspects have been reported. Funeral services were held March 25, 2022, at Joyner Hall in Pine Ridge, and he was buried at the Wilson Family Cemetery near Oglala.

Hayden’s family sought equine therapy after the loss, grieving alongside the Pine Ridge community; his grandmother, Holly Wilson, later lost another grandson to a fatal shooting in May 2022. If anyone knew Hayden or has information about that day, please share what you can.