Archer Shot in Accident at Total Archery Challenge in West Virginia

Tragedy struck this past weekend on the mountains in West Virginia when an archer was shot in a freak accident while attending the recent Total Archery Challenge event.

Details are still emerging as to exactly what happened on the course, but according to a statement posted on the Total Archery Challenge (TAC) Facebook account, the incident was confirmed, and the individual was said to be in stable condition and recovering.

A Facebook release was posted by the TAC team following the event.

During the Total Archery Challenge event in West Virginia, an incident occurred involving a participant on one of the courses. The individual is in stable condition and recovering.

Safety remains our top priority. While incidents like this are rare and unfortunate, they reinforce the importance of upholding our safety standards at all times and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to continuously review and enhance our protocols.

The 2025 Total Archery Challenge Tour will proceed as scheduled. We are grateful for the continued support of our partners and attendees and remain committed to leading with the same passion, professionalism, and focus on safety that our participants have come to expect. We would also like to send a big THANK YOU to all EMT’s, participants, and parties involved during the incident.

Out of respect to the injured participant and his family, and until the facts are gathered, comments and communication regarding the incident will be disabled.

We are grateful for the outpouring of support and ask that you continue to keep those involved in your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you on the mountain.
– The Total Archery Challenge Team

More information was shared on a GoFundMe page started by the team at Barefoot Archery, a pro shop where the individual helped out in the past.

A few days ago, Luis was doing what he loves most—shooting his bow at an archery event—when something unimaginable happened. He was accidentally shot in the head with an arrow. It went through his temple and exited near his eye. He was airlifted to the hospital and rushed into surgery. Miraculously, Luis is alive. But the road ahead is long and uncertain.

Right now, we don’t know the full extent of the damage to his vision. He’s in an enormous amount of pain. We’re in contact with his wife, Jessica, who is by his side and doing everything she can to keep things together for him and their girls.

As of now, we’re unsure what his insurance situation looks like—he had just started a new job, and coverage may not have kicked in yet. What we do know is that the medical bills, airlift, surgeries, and recovery costs are going to be immense.

We’re asking for your help to support Luis and his family during this crisis. Every dollar raised will go directly to medical expenses, recovery needs, and helping Jessica and the girls stay afloat while Luis heals.

Luis has given so much of himself to this community. He welcomed us as new owners of Barefoot with open arms and now it’s our turn to show up for him.

Please donate what you can. Share this with others. And keep Luis, Jessica, and their girls in your prayers.

With gratitude,

Jeff & Chrystal

The Barefoot Archery Family

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Luis and his family in this time of recovery, as well as all others involved in this situation.

Brodie Swisher

Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, seminar speaker and Editor for Bowhunting.com. Brodie and his family live in the Kentucky Lake area of west Tennessee.