Two Dead In Deer Hunting Incident

"READSBORO, VT — A Vermont deer hunter accidentally shot and killed his hunting buddy, and was so devastated he turned his rifle on himself, state police say.

"Investigators say Benjamin Birch, 39, Timothy Bolognani, 49, and Mark Colford were hunting near Readsboro, Vt., on Saturday afternoon when Birch shot a deer, according to local reports.

"The wounded animal managed to run off, and the trio began tracking it through the brush, local station WPTZ reported. Later Bolognani fired at what he may have thought was the deer, but instead heard Birch scream out in pain.

"Bolognani and Colford later found their pal bleeding on the ground, but could do nothing to save his life. Overwhelmed with grief, Bolognani then committed suicide with his own rifle, cops say.

"Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy, but police said they don't suspect any foul play in the incident.

"According to a local report, Bolognani’s mother, Betty, is a former Vermont state representative."

From the New York Daily News...