Georgia Southern student shot and killed on Planters Lane

Meg Elwood

Update 2:07 p.m.: According to WSAV, GS officials released the following statement: “The Georgia Southern University community is saddened to learn of an off-campus incident that resulted in the accidental shooting death of one of our students, Blake Kenneth Shurling. The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office notified Georgia Southern police that they are investigating. Our thoughts are with the friends and families during this time. Counseling is available for our students as we all grieve this tragedy.”

Georgia Southern student Blake Shurling was found dead on the scene on Planters Lane from a gunshot wound at 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday.

Colton Weatherford, also a GS student, was taken into custody after investigation and charged with;

– Involuntary Manslaughter

– Reckless conduct

– Discharging a Firearm while Under the Influence

Both students were 20-years-old and well acquainted with each other. According to Bulloch County Sheriff’s office, alcohol is believed to have played a part in the incident.

Weatherford currently remains in the Bulloch County Jail awaiting further judicial hearings.

Anyone with further information on this case should contact Cpt Todd Hutchens at 912-764-1787 or submit an anonymous tip to tips@bullochsheriff.com