On December 3, 2023, 15-year-old Payton Frank Pesina died from an accidental gunshot wound to the chest while preparing rifles during a family hunting trip in a hunting area along Highway 67 between Presidio and Shafter, Presidio County, Texas. Family members transported him with an escort from the Presidio County Sheriff’s Department toward medical care; Marfa EMS met them en route to Alpine and Payton was pronounced dead at Big Bend Regional Medical Center.

Payton was a sophomore at Grandfalls-Royalty High School, known for kindness, generosity and a vibrant sense of humor. He excelled academically and played on the school football team wearing jersey number 6. Local authorities investigated and the case was turned over to the Texas Rangers; the Presidio County Sheriff’s Office described the shooting as a tragic accident. No arrests were made and no suspects were identified.

If anyone was in the area that day or has information about the circumstances of the shooting, please share what you know.