Jan. 24, 2023
SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. – A bizarre death occurred in Kansas when a dog stepped on a rifle in the backseat of a pickup truck, which caused a discharge that killed a man inside the cab, according to officials.
The victim was in the front passenger seat of the truck about 9:40 a.m. Saturday in the 1600 block of 80th Street, north-northeast of Geuda Springs. Hunting gear and a rifle was in the backseat of the truck along with the dog.
“A canine belonging to the owner of the pickup stepped on the rifle causing the weapon to discharge,” the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office told KAKE News.
“The fired round struck the passenger who died of his injuries on scene.”
The man’s name has not been released. It was unclear if the truck was moving or stationary and whether or not someone else was with the man. It was also unknown what happened with the dog after the fatal discharge. No further details were immediately provided.
UPDATE
Jan. 25, 2023
SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. – A man who was fatally shot when his dog stepped on a rifle was identified as Kansas plumber Joseph Smith on Tuesday as friends remembered the hunter as a “loving goofball” who made them smile.
Smith, 30, was in the front passenger seat of a pickup truck when the dog stepped on the hunting rifle in the backseat. Smith was struck in the back and killed instantly, according to KSN.com.
Joseph Smith was killed over the weekend when a dog stepped on a rifle causing a discharge. (
Smith worked as a plumber with Browns Plumbing Services in Wichita, the company’s owner Chris Brown said Tuesday.
“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,” Brown wrote in a GoFundMe to help Smith’s family cover funeral costs.
“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.”
“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,” wrote friend and co-worker Jessica.
“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.”
Law enforcement authorities still have not released additional details regarding the tragedy.
