A Utah teacher was fatally shot Monday when a gun apparently discharged accidentally, according to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
Sandy resident Lynette Billeter, 58, was hunting with two family members about 10 miles northeast of Echo. According to police, she was getting back into a UTV at about 11 a.m. when a gun went off, striking her in her midsection.
First responders worked to treat Billeter, but she died at the scene.
Billeter was an educator “for many years” at Canyons Transition Academy, a program that assists adult special-education students in Canyons School District, according to a GoFundMe page that’s raising money for her funeral expenses.
(Canyons School District) Lynette Billeter, front middle, with students in the Canyons Transition Academy program. Billeter was killed in an apparent hunting accident on Jan. 31, 2022.
The school program helps students ages 18-22 “gain the skills necessary to live as independently as possible,” according to the academy’s website. The GoFundMe page had raised more than $17,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
A Canyons School District spokesperson said Billeter was “cherished” among staff and noted that support is available for those who are grieving.
“Our thoughts are with Ms. Lynette Billeter’s family and friends at this difficult time,” wrote Nate Edvalson, CTA Program Administrator, in an email to parents Tuesday. “As many of our students will tell you, Ms. Billeter was a wonderful person and helped our students so much as they progressed in their educational journeys.”
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting appeared to have been accidental in nature, but they continue to investigate.
