Lunenburg family mourns after hunting trip turns tragic

LUNENBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- A Lunenburg family is mourning the sudden loss of William Gaulding, known to loved ones as "Bug," after a hunting trip turned deadly.

On the night of Feb. 17, Gaulding was hunting in the Keysville area of Lunenburg when he was shot. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources confirmed that two other hunters were on the property at the time, all legally permitted to be there. When emergency responders arrived, Gaulding had already passed away.

His sister, Brandy Roque, says the grief has been overwhelming.

"Of all the things that could've killed my brother, he was killed doing what he loved," she said.

Roque described her brother as a gentle giant -- standing 6'1" and weighing 300 lbs, but known for his humility, kindness, and generosity. She says since his death, hundreds of people -- many she’s never even met -- have reached out to share how much he meant to them.

(Courtesy of the Gaulding family)

(Courtesy of the Gaulding family)

(Courtesy of the Gaulding family)

(Courtesy of the Gaulding family)

"He was giving, kind, generous... a larger-than-life personality," Roque said.

The hardest part, she says, is not knowing exactly what happened.

"I've got so many questions that nobody can answer right now." Roque said. "That's probably the most difficult part."

Despite the pain, the family has found comfort in an outpouring of support from friends, loved ones, and Gaulding’s hunting community.

"It's been hard, but the community he's from—they've been amazing," Roque added. "They have been unbelievably supportive throughout this entire thing."

John Seamster, president of Warrior Hunts of Virginia -- an organization Gaulding was part of -- says he was the type of person who always showed up for others. He provided a statement:

Bug was a great friend and he always willing to be there when needed! He had a heart bigger than anyone I’ve ever seen. He loved the outdoors and he was all about volunteering his time to get kids, the disabled and veterans back into the outdoors.  He was a volunteer for WHV and the Staunton-Meherrin NWTF Chapter. He will be forever missed but he will never be forgotten. A true community legend gone way too soon! John Seamster, President and Co-founder of Warrior Hunts of Virginia

Gaulding had a deep love for the outdoors and dedicated much of his free time to volunteering and helping those less fortunate.

Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The family is hoping for answers as they continue to grieve their devastating loss.