Seth Michael Egelhoff, 26, of Chesterfield, Illinois, died after a hunting accident at the Bays Branch Wildlife Area near Panora, Iowa. On the afternoon of Saturday, November 11, 2023, a 911 call reported a hunter shot in the marsh; emergency crews began life-saving measures and were transporting Egelhoff to a landing zone for a Life Flight helicopter but he succumbed to his injuries en route and was pronounced deceased shortly after leaving the scene.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Egelhoff was shot in the face by a member of his own hunting party during a waterfowl hunt. The group were friends who had known each other since high school and were on a guy’s hunting trip. A conservation officer said the shooting appears to be accidental, that no evidence suggested malicious intent, and that the shooter was extremely distraught. The Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Bureau is leading the investigation with assistance from the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol; an autopsy was planned.

If anyone was on that hunt or knew Seth and can share details about the group’s activities that day, please come forward with information.