A 42-year-old hunter was killed by a gunshot in a forest in southern Styria on Sunday evening. A 36-year-old hunter was returning a firearm to a 57-year-old when the shot was fired. The 42-year-old was shot in the head and died at the scene. Criminal police have launched an investigation, but authorities currently do not suspect an intentional act, the Styria State Police Directorate said on Monday.
The fatal incident occurred around 6:50 p.m. on Sunday in a forest near Gabersdorf in the Leibnitz district. The three hunters, all from the Leibnitz district, were loading a wild boar that had been shot earlier by the 57-year-old into a vehicle. The shooter assisted the 42-year-old and handed his rifle to the 36-year-old colleague. After the animal was loaded, the 36-year-old attempted to return the weapon to the 57-year-old. At that moment, a shot was discharged. The projectile struck the 42-year-old, who was standing nearby, in the head.
The hunting companions immediately alerted emergency services, but the emergency physician who arrived at the scene was only able to confirm the man’s death.
The victim’s relatives were supported by the crisis intervention team. The State Criminal Police Office has opened an investigation. The Graz public prosecutor’s office ordered an autopsy and appointed an expert in firearms and ballistics.
