The community of West Monroe, Louisiana, is reeling from the sudden and tragic death of Colton Honeycutt, a young man remembered for his generous spirit, contagious smile, and passion for the outdoors. Colton, who attended West Ouachita High School, died last week in what family members have described as a “freakish act of nature” while hunting.
His uncle, Craig S. Honeycutt, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post, sharing that the family remains in shock as details continue to unfold. “Yes, Colton Honeycutt was my nephew. He perished in a very freakish act of nature yesterday while hunting,” he wrote. “We humanly know not why things happen as they do. We can only lean on and trust in the Lord.”
For those who knew him, Colton was more than a nephew, classmate, or teammate — he was a bright light who always found a way to lift others. “Colton always had a big smile on his face and was such a happy person,” wrote his cousin Kaylee Trichell. “He was always there for people with arms open wide, no matter what.”
Friends from school and his baseball community described Colton as a talented athlete who loved the game as much as he loved the camaraderie it brought. Off the field, he found peace in nature — hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends in the Louisiana woods that shaped his life.
Local clergy and counselors in West Monroe say the tragedy has shaken many families who share similar traditions. “Hunting is a part of our culture here,” said Pastor Daniel Reeves, a community chaplain. “When something so rare and tragic happens, it reminds us how fragile life can be — and how important it is to hold each other close.”
Family members, including Colton’s sister Morgan Fisher and extended relatives, have asked for continued prayers as they navigate their grief. Plans for a memorial service are underway, with the community rallying through meal trains, prayer vigils, and shared memories online.
In a town where faith and family run deep, Colton Honeycutt’s passing has united friends and neighbors in mourning — and in gratitude for a young life that, though cut short, left a lasting mark of joy, laughter, and love.
