Hunter Shot In Lyndeborough After Shotgun Accidentally Discharges

LYNDEBOROUGH, NH — New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were notified by New Hampshire State Police Dispatch about a possible hunting-related shooting in the town of Lyndeborough on Saturday.

Conservation officers learned that Kenneth Simpson, 83, of Lyndeborough, and Gary Ciardelli, 82, of Wilton, were hunting together before the incident occurred. The incident appears to have taken place around sunset when Simpson and Ciardelli were returning to their vehicle. Simpson was unloading a .300 Remington Model 722, bolt action hunting rifle, and failed to remove all of the rounds from the rifle before placing it into the vehicle. As the rifle was being placed into the vehicle, a round remaining in the chamber fired.

The bullet traveled across the passenger side of the vehicle, through the leg of Ciardelli who was sitting in the driver’s seat, and continued through the driver’s side door. Ciardelli’s injury was serious but not life-threatening.

Simpson provided aid and drove Ciardelli to the Wilton Ambulance Service on Forest Road in Wilton. Emergency medical personnel from the Wilton Ambulance Service treated Ciardelli for his gunshot wound. Ciardelli was then transported by the Wilton Ambulance Service to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center where he was treated and released.

Conservation officers were assisted by the Wilton Police Department, Milford Police Department, Wilton Ambulance Service, and the New Hampshire State Police.

NH Fish and Game Lt. William Boudreau said all aspects of this incident remain under investigation.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact Conservation Officer Thomas R. Houghton at NH Fish and Game Dispatch 603-271-3361 or New Hampshire State Police Dispatch 603-852-3411.