Beloved mother, teacher remembered after tragic hunting accident
Feb 1, 2022, 6:00 PM | Updated: Jun 13, 2022, 3:45 pm
SANDY, Utah — A tragic hunting accident has taken the life of a beloved mother and educator in the Canyons School District.
Lynette Billeter, 58, lost her life Monday morning in Northeastern Summit County when her rifle accidentally went off and killed her.
A tragic hunting accident takes the life of a beloved mother and educator. “Very caring…She was out to help everyone” Her story @KSL5TV 5 and 6. pic.twitter.com/eSZwJIMOZl
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) February 1, 2022
“She was the kind of employee that you could count on to have the students best interests at heart,” said Nathan Edvalson, program administrator for the Canyons Transition Academy where Billeter taught.
Canyons Transition Academy is for adult students with special needs who are transitioning into the community. Billeter was known and loved as Mrs. Bee.
“She did some of the funniest things. She brought such a spirit to our community,” Edvalson said. “Any task that you needed to support students, Lynette was totally willing to do. She would go above and beyond.”
(Courtesy the Billeter Family)
Billeter’s daughter, Kimberly, told KSL that her mom was hunting with her husband and son and was getting into a side-by-side vehicle and sitting down when her rifle accidentally went off. She says Billeter had set the rifle on the seat.
Summit County Sheriff investigators say this was, unfortunately, just a tragic hunting accident, and are not expecting any charges.
“She was an amazing lady that was very caring,” Kimberly said through tears. “She was out to help everyone.”
Her husband said he wanted to remind hunters and others about gun safety, telling KSL to make sure your weapon is unloaded, has the safety on and is always kept upright.
The school is now facing the challenge of carrying on without Mrs. Bee.
“Sorrow, sadness, disbelief — all the emotions I think that could go along with that sudden news,” Edvalson said. “She will be missed.”
The Canyons School District is providing counselors and other support for teachers, students and parents who may need it.
