Kristin Anderson

WKYC-TV, Cleveland

SUGAR CREEK TWP., Ohio — A 22-year-old woman is dead after a farmer mistakenly shot her thinking she was a groundhog in tall grass.

Stark County Sheriff George Maier says Natasha Stover was shooting targets Monday with a BB gun when she laid down in the grass. Farmer Ralph Adams Jr., 79, thought she was a groundhog and fired a rifle about 165 feet away, hitting Stover in the head.

The woman died the next day at the hospital.

Maier said the shooting appears to be accidental but the case is still under investigation by the Stark County prosecutor's office.

Stover's family says she loved animals and had a special gift working with them. She also had a strong faith and loved going to the library.

Residents said Adams is well respected in the community.