Ryan J. Willes was 16 when he died at a home in western Cassia County on November 2, 2013. Earlier that day the group at the residence had been out shooting; later that evening they were cleaning firearms when a gun was accidentally discharged and a bullet struck Ryan in the neck. Emergency services were called but Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office investigated, interviewing everyone who had been present and reconstructing the events of the day. Investigators ultimately concluded the shooting was a tragic accident, and the sheriff’s office announced no criminal charges would be filed; there were no arrests and no suspects named.

If anyone was at that gathering or has information about what happened that evening, please come forward and share what you know.