NAU football player killed in accidental shooting in Alaska

[dbackjon]

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A member of the Northern Arizona football team was killed after an accidental shooting on Tuesday. Michael DeGroote was in Alaska while on family vacation when he died in what the family is calling "a freak accident."

Details are limited but it appears a gun that DeGroote and his father had on a camping trip accidentally discharged.

The 22 year old graduated from Fountain Hills High School back in 2011. He was a star baseball and football player in high school. After two years at Scottsdale Community College he walked on at NAU, eventually earning a scholarship.

NAU released a statement regarding his death:

"The entire NAU Athletics Family is deeply saddened by the loss of Michael," said head coach Jerome Souers. "He was a well-respected young man that I was proud to have as a part of our program. Our time with Michael was cut short, but he will always be a Lumberjack. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

According to his family DeGroote and his dad were in Alaska for a one week camping and fishing trip. The pair was told to take a gun for protection because of bears in the area. The shooting took place on Tuesday at the start of the trip.

"I'm still in shock, maybe a little denial, how did this happen?" said his friend Aaron Torkelson.

His mother fought through tears when talking about her son.

"He was such a good boy," Mari DeGroote said.

[dbackjon]

Very sad and tragic - seemed like a great guy