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ECHO, Summit County — A woman killed in a tragic hunting accident Monday near Echo Canyon was identified Tuesday as Lynette Billeter of Sandy.
Billeter, 58, was with family members on a hunting trip when she was accidentally shot by a hunting rifle, causing fatal injuries.
The woman was sitting on the passenger side of a side-by-side ATV's bench seat when a rifle that was on the seat next to her went off, striking her just above the hips, according to investigators.
How the rifle went off — whether it was bumped by someone, whether it was being moved when it went off or whether someone possibly sat on it — was still being investigated Tuesday. The side-by-side was not moving at the time. Summit County Sheriff's Lt. Andrew Wright said based on all the information collected so far, it appears the shooting was an accident.
The family was in the canyon about a mile south of I-80 and about 10 miles northeast of Echo when the shooting occurred. They drove down to the base of the canyon following the shooting and called 911 about 11:01 a.m., Wright said. Both a sheriff's deputy and a Utah Highway Patrol trooper arrived at the scene by 11:15 a.m.
A medical helicopter was called, but Billeter died before crews were able to transport her, he said.
The sheriff's office on Tuesday offered its condolences to Billeter's family. A GoFundMe campaign* was started to help raise money for the family and to pay for funeral expenses.
"We have lost an amazing woman today. Our hearts go out to the Billeter family. They have lost a wife, mother, grandmother and friend in an accident today," the fundraising page states.
Billeter is survived by her husband, Lonnie, who was her "high school sweetheart."
"They did everything together. Now it is time to help Lonnie and the family in their time of need to help pay for funeral expenses. People may know Lonnie and Lynette from the hunting community, LDS community or from Lynette teaching in the Canyon School District for many years. Lynette will be very missed. She had the biggest heart; you needed a friend. She was there; you needed something made, Lynette would make it," the site states.
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the money deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
