May 16, 2011
The Westmoreland County coroner said that a turkey hunter who was
found dead this morning was shot when his own gun accidentally
discharged.
Richard J. Simms, 51, of Irwin, was found near a tree stand at
around 7 a.m.
about a half mile east of 1120 Forbes Lane in Penn Township with a
gunshot wound to his chest.
The coroner said Mr. Simms had climbed down from a tree stand and
was reaching up to grab his 12-gauge shotgun when it fired, striking
him in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner ruled that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot
wound to the chest. The manner of death was listed as accidental.
Moriah Balingit: mbalingit@post-gazette.com or 412-263-2533.
http://www.post-gazette.com/
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