UT Student Shot Dead After Mistakenly Riding The Wrong Car Day After His Birthday

A college student in Florida tried to get into a stranger's car by mistake, which resulted in the teen being fatally shot by the driver of the vehicle over the weekend, according to authorities.

University of Tampa (UT) student Carson Senfield called an Uber back to his home on West Arch Street at around 1 a.m. Saturday, the New York Post reported, citing police.

Senfield, a New York native, had just turned 19 and had spent Friday night celebrating his birthday with friends, his family said.

After exiting his Uber, Senfield apparently attempted to get into another vehicle with a man sitting in the driver's seat, according to police.

The man, who did not know Senfield or why he was forcing his way into his vehicle, shot the teen in the upper body as he "feared for his life," Tampa police said in a press release.

Senfield died of his injuries at the scene, according to authorities.

The driver, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, is cooperating with investigators, police said.

It is unclear if he will face any charges over the incident. The State Attorney's Office will decide any potential charges against him, according to police.

Senfield's father, Darren Senfield, called the fatal shooting a "senseless tragedy."

"We don't have our son, we're mourning, we're heartbroken, we're devastated," Darren told Buffalo's Channel 2.

UT announced Carson's death in a statement Saturday afternoon.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the student's family and friends, as well as all who were affected by this incident. The University values all members of the community and mourns this tragic loss," the statement read.

Carson's high school alma mater, Orchard Park High School (OPHS), also released a statement following his death.

"Given Carson's wide circle of friends, and the fact that Carson's two siblings attend OPHS, the Orchard Park School District recognizes that his passing has a far-reaching impact," superintendent David Lillec said in the statement.

A GoFundMe campaign launched in Carson's honor has raised $109,360 as of writing.

The money will be directed to a scholarship "to make sure kids like Carson ... have a chance to go to college," according to Darren.