Statesboro family establishes nonprofit in honor of 13-year-old son after hunting accident

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - As deer hunting season opens in Georgia, a Statesboro nonprofit is on a mission to keep kids safe while also honoring the memory of an avid outdoorsman who tragically lost his life at just 13-years-old.

Aiden Cornwell died in a hunting accident back in 2020. In an effort to share his story and prevent accidents from happening to other young hunters, Aiden’s family established the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation a year ago.

Aiden’s mother Jennifer Key says Aiden loved everything outdoors—from hunting and fishing to simply exploring nature with his friend and family.

His death left an unfillable void. However, his family hopes to carry on his legacy of kindness and adventure through the nonprofit.

Within the first year of operation, Live Like Aiden gave away over $10,000 in scholarships to help students do what Aiden never had a chance to do—go to college.

The second main goal of the organization is to keep kids safe when they’re out hunting.

“I feel like where we are, everyone has either grown up with hunting or outdoor activities or either their parents or their grandparents, and I just think people take it for granted that thing like that can’t happen. They become very lax in their safety practices,” said Key.

Live Like Aiden hosted its inaugural safety weekend this summer where professionals came in to teach young hunters the basics, including gun safety. Key says hands-on experience is invaluable, especially for kids who are just now starting the activity.

“I just want kids like Aiden—and even if they’re not exposed to the outdoors—to be able to do that safely. And also, to bring kids who haven’t been exposed to the outdoors, let them have that opportunity because there’s never a charge for the camp.”

Key says they’ve already seen interest grow for the next class, so much so that needed to find a bigger space to host the event.

For more information on Aiden’s story and the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation, click here.