Ravalli County Sheriff / Coroner Steve Holton confirmed a death due to a hunting accident Saturday morning, 11-28-20. The accident occurred in an area near Hamilton Heights Road east of Hamilton.
Sheriff Holton said 51-year-old Joseph Burgess of Corvallis died due to an accidental gunshot injury sustained when a rifle was discharged inside a vehicle. A hunting companion called 911 and the party drove to meet the responding Sheriff’s Deputies and Marcus Daly EMS. Burgess was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Sheriff’s investigators and Deputy Coroner’s determined the manner of death was accidental. The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office offers condolences to the families affected by this tragic accident and ask the community to come together to offer support.
The RCSO would also stress that firearms safety rules can never be relaxed. Always unload firearms before transporting them and control the muzzle at all times.