Mason Berk, a 14-year-old eighth grader from Concordia, Kansas, died on March 30, 2019, after a firearm accidentally discharged while he was trapshooting. The shot struck him in the abdomen; he was taken to Cloud County Health Center but did not survive. The Cloud County Sheriff’s Office investigated and determined the shooting was a tragic accident, finding no indication of foul play.

Mason had turned 14 five days before the incident. He enjoyed hunting, country music, woodworking, and working on the farm with his father, and was active in Hill & Dale 4-H Club, the CHS Trap Club, FFA, and Pheasants Forever. The Concordia community and schools provided counseling and support to the family, and his funeral at the Brown Grand Theatre reflected his casual, outdoorsy spirit with an invitation to wear jeans and boots.

If anyone knew Mason or witnessed the events that afternoon, can you share information that might help others understand what happened?