A man has been shot dead by his own dog after it stepped on his gun as he set off on a hunting trip.
Joseph Austin Smith, 32, was blasted at close range when his dog stepped on his hunting rifle on the back seat of a pick up truck in Geuda Springs, Kansas, USA.
Police said he was shot in the back and died instantly at around 9.40am.
Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said: “A canine belonging to the owner of the pickup stepped on the rifle causing the weapon to discharge.
“The fired round struck the passenger who died of his injuries on scene.”
It is not known if the truck had been moving or if anyone else had been with him when he died on 22nd January.
Police found a discgharged rifle and hunting gear on the back seat.
Friends described Smith as a family man.
Following the incident, plumber Smith’s former boss Chris Brown initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help his family cover funeral costs.
Brown said: “Joe is absolutely the most unique individual I have had the pleasure of meeting.
“He was loved by all of us from all walks of life and loved the same.
“He made us laugh every morning whether it was at him or because of him he always made sure to be a positive light at my company.
“No matter how bad or stressful my or our day was, Joe always had something to lift our spirits.
“I have been a plumber for a long time and met many many different guys but never have I met another Joe and I am confident there may not be another.”
A colleague and pal called Jessica added: “Joseph Smith was a truly amazing man. He was kind, funny, smart, and very loving.
“Every time he walked through the door, he would make someone smile.
“Either from being a goofball or just his natural presence making everything better.
“It wasn’t hard to love Joe because he always made you feel like you were one of a kind and never left a conversation without letting you know he loved you.
“Joe is going to be dearly missed by so many. He was a great friend, employee, cousin, brother, son, and dog owner. We have loved and lost one of the best. Rest in Peace Joseph.”
The fundraiser was complemented by numerous photos of Smith, some of which portrayed him on a stage, either playing the guitar and singing.
More than USD 10,000 (GBP 8,112)of the USD 20,000 (GBP 16,227) goal had been achieved as of Wednesday, 25th January.
Following his death, his sister Kayla Bing shared several images of Joseph on her Facebook page and said: “Maestro Joe. A virtuoso with a funk soul. It wasn’t supposed to be you, brother.”
Cops have not disclosed what happened to the dog after it killed its owner over the weekend.
