Delaware County Sheriff's Office: Elyria man's hunting death 'horrifically tragic accident'

Investigation continues into the death of an Elyria man who was hunting with a group in central Ohio earlier this month, but Delaware County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Tracy Whited described the incident as a "horrifically tragic accident." She said it appears Andrew "AJ" Smith, 28, of Elyria, was mistaken for an animal and shot by another member of his hunting party. Whited declined to provide further details while investigation continues and to prevent sensationalizing what happened. Delaware County is just north of Columbus and includes more rural land than Franklin County to its south. Smith, a former Oberlin firefighter, was working in the Columbus area as a contractor at the time of his death, according to his obituary. He graduated from Elyria High School in 2011, where he played on the varsity baseball and golf teams. Smith continued his athletic career at the collegiate level, playing baseball at Lincoln College in Illinois. His firefighting career began with the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District on a volunteer basis. Following two years living in Arizona, Smith came home to attend the State of Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg. Oberlin Fire Chief Robert Hanmer was saddened to hear of Smith's death. Though Smith did not work in Oberlin for a long time before moving out of town, the chief said he was the kind of firefighter every department hopes to hire. "While Andrew was here, he was very ambitious, had a lot of potential and was passionate about firefighting," Hanmer said. Friends will be received Saturday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. until the start of a 2 p.m. service at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Ave., Elyria. The Rev. Patrick Nicolino, Pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ, will officiate. COVID-19 precautions will be observed and masks are required, according to the obituary. Those attending are urged to maintain social distancing while offering condolences to the family and keep their visit brief.