Marine Reservist Shot and Killed by Oregon Bear Hunter

SILVERTON, Ore. – A 20-year-old Marine reservist was fatally shot by a man who mistook him for a bear while on a hunting trip with his grandson, The Oregonian reported Saturday.

Christopher A. Ochoa, 20, was hiking with a friend Friday night near Silver Falls State Park, roughly 60 miles south of Portland, when he was shot by 67-year-old Gene Collier.

Collier was bear hunting with his 12-year-old grandson at the time of the shooting. He told authorities he mistook Ochoa, who was wearing dark clothing, for a bear moving in the brush, The Oregonian said.

Deputies responded to a call for help from Ochoa's friend, but the Marine reservist died at the scene, the paper said.

Ochoa, who was visiting the area from French Camp, Calif., was an active member of the Marine Corps Reserve and due back for duty on Oct. 25.

According to the paper, an investigation determined that Collier was not impaired by alcohol or drugs. The Marion County District Attorney's Office will determine whether to bring charges against the hunter, but told the newspaper the shooting appeared to be accidental.