What was supposed to be a spring morning in the woods turned into a fatal accident for Dr. Juston Gates, president of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Gates died on April 23 after being wounded in an accidental shooting while turkey hunting near Mangum in Greer County on April 16. He was airlifted in critical condition to OU Health in Oklahoma City on the opening day of Oklahoma’s spring turkey season. Wildlife officials say the shooting was accidental, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is still investigating what happened.
Officials call the shooting accidental
Investigators with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation told local media the incident was accidental, according to KECO 96.5FM. Local reporting also said Gates was hunting with others near Mangum and was flown to an Oklahoma City hospital after he was struck; The Penny News reported that the shooting happened on the opening day of the spring turkey season. Authorities have not shared the exact location of the scene and have not publicly identified anyone else involved in the incident.
MBCH confirms Gates' death
The Missouri Baptist Children’s Home confirmed in a press release that Gates died of his injuries on April 23, saying he "went to be with the Lord with his family standing by his side." The organization called for prayer and announced a memorial service for May 2 in its statement, and it provided a media contact for further inquiries, according to Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.
Investigation remains open
Game wardens from the Wildlife Department remain assigned to the case as investigators work to piece together the chain of events that led to the shooting, according to KECO 96.5FM. No criminal charges have been announced, and wildlife officials have not disclosed additional details about how the firearm was discharged. Authorities say the matter is still under review and that more information will be released when available.
Hunting safety and context
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation emphasizes hunter education and firearms safety as key tools to help prevent accidents and offers free hunter-education courses and materials for residents and visitors. The department’s guidelines encourage hunters to share trip plans with others, observe safe zones of fire when hunting with companions and complete hunter-education training when required or available, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Next steps for the family and community
MBCH said it will share updates as it is able and requested privacy for Gates’ family while funeral arrangements are finalized. Local churches and MBCH partners have begun circulating announcements and organizing support for the family and the organization’s staff in the coming weeks, according to Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.
