Sinkhole envelops local hunter/marine

    A local family is mourning the loss of a man whose life ended while he was out hunting Monday evening.

    Curtis S. Powelson, 31, was bow hunting when he accidentally fell into a sinkhole Monday evening near his residence off of Red Oak Lane near the Buckhorn area.

    Powelson was a Marine at Fort Leonard Wood, according to Pulaski County Assistant Coroner Michael McCart.

    Around dusk Monday, the hunter made contact with his wife, advising he just shot a deer and was returning to the woods in an attempt to track the animal.

    When the man failed to return home, his wife reported him missing to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.

    Law enforcement and fire fighters then began a late-night search, which ended shortly after 3 a.m., when the hunter's body was discovered at the bottom of a large sinkhole located just a short distance from his home.

    The sinkhole was about the size of a car at ground level and was estimated to be approximately 65-70 feet deep, according to Pulaski County Sheriff Long.

    After examining the scene and speaking with the property owner, authorities assume the sinkhole recently opened, possibly during the heavy rains last month. It is believed the hunter did not see the opening before falling into it, due to being hidden behind tall foliage, along with the existing low light conditions.

    The hunter's death has been ruled accidental by the Pulaski County Assistant Coroner, Michael McCart. Further details will be released once the victim's relatives have been notified.  Leaderjournal