PA - hunter dies after accidentally shooting himself

The Associated Press

DUNCANNON, Pa. - A deer hunter died after accidentally firing a handgun into his chest, authorities said.

Roger M. Lemkelde, 79, of Wellsville, York County, died Monday afternoon in Penn Township, Perry County. He is the first hunter in the state to die in a weapon-related accident this deer season, authorities said.

"There is nothing to suggest there was anything criminal involved with this incident," Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot said. "It looks like an accident involving his own gun."

Lemkelde had been hunting with his 39-year-old son, Greg Lemkelde, also of Wellsville. The son took his father to a hospital, police said.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission said an average of four hunters die in gun or archery accidents each year, including the seasons for all kinds of game.

Return to Hunting Accident Index

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