Two men charged over teen’s Neerim East hunting death

Two men have been charged over the death of 17-year-old Dustin Buckley, who died after he was shot in the head while hunting in Victoria’s east.

Dustin Buckley, 17, died after being shot in bush at Neerim East. Picture: Supplied

Two men have been charged with manslaughter over the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy in Neerim East in August 2017.

Dustin Buckley, 17, was with a group of friends in the Neerim East State Forest when he was shot in the head on August 27, 2017.

A 19-year-old man from Rokeby and a 25-year-old man from Munro were arrested this morning and have been charged with manslaughter.

Both are expected to appear before the Morwell Magistrates’ Court today.

Two men have been charged with Dustin Buckley’s 2017 death. Picture: Supplied

The Herald Sun understands the boy from Nayook, near Neerim East, was in the forest with at least two others, including his cousin when the incident happened.

It is believed the men were hunting.

The incident happened near Memory Lane, an off-road track deep in the Neerim East Forest.

The area is a popular local hunting spot. He was flown to hospital on August 27 but died two days later.

After his 2017 death, devastated mates flooded social media with tributes for the “legend” who was taken too soon.

Mates said Dustin Buckley was taken too soon. Picture: Supplied

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“The love for this mate is unspeakable … love you brother,” Matt Ward wrote.

Jake Ward said: “Best mate I ever had.”

Bill McLean said he would always love his friend.

“Still remember when you called me over to sit next to ya one week into first year of high school,” he wrote.

“Drink a can for me brother.”