Willard man dies in Republic-area accidental shooting

According to Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, Nickolas Hughes, 23, of Willard, died in Sunday’s accidental shooting on TR 8.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an “accidental shooting,” according to a spokesperson.

At 11:56 AM Sunday, Hughes was shot at 8782 E. TR 8, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office said. Seneca County Sheriff’s Office is on-scene conducting an investigation. In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, Bloomville EMS, Bloom Township Fire Department, Scipio-Republic Fire Department and the Echo unit also responded, according to officials.

Several people were reportedly “target shooting” at the property, and there could have been a gun malfunction, according to Detective Kevin Reinbolt of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office. The Ohio BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation) is now investigating.

A 2015 photo of Hughes (Source: Facebook)

The property at 8782 E. TR 8 is owned by Dennis and Kehy Straughsbaugh, according to public record. The owners, however, were not home at the time of the accident, according to a Seneca County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

The name of the individual who accidentally shot Hughes is not being released at this time.