Carl Abalama, 05-13-06

In brief, Published: May 16, 2006

QUINHAGAK

Boy killed in accident while hunting for birds

A Quinhagak boy was shot to death Saturday by his cousin in a hunting accident, Alaska State Troopers said.

Carl Abalama, whose age could not be confirmed, died from the gunshot wound to his head, troopers said.

Sgt. Perry Barr said Abalama went bird hunting with his cousin and uncle, Bob Cleveland. Birds took flight and Abalama stood up to shoot but was shot in the back of his head by his cousin's 16-gauge shotgun. Authorities did not release the cousin's name. They were about six miles outside of their village when the accident occurred.

Quinhagak, population 650, is less than a mile from the Bering Sea coast and about 70 miles south of Bethel.

No foul play is suspected.

-- Anchorage Daily News

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In brief, Published: May 17, 2006

QUINHAGAK

Troopers name cousin who shot boy in waterfowl hunting trip accident

Alaska State Troopers on Tuesday identified the teenager who accidentally shot and killed his younger cousin outside Quinhagak while duck hunting.

Troopers say Richard Cleveland, 16, Carl Abalama, 10, and Bob Cleveland -- the father of Richard and uncle of Carl -- were hunting Saturday. Birds took flight. Carl stood to shoot and passed in front of Richard's 16-gauge shotgun just as Richard pulled the trigger, troopers said.

Carl was placed in a sled and taken back to the village, where he was pronounced dead. Quinhagak, population 650, is near the Bering Sea coast, about 70 miles south of Bethel.

-- Anchorage Daily News