Hunter Death

(WOLO) GAFFNEY, S.C.,— A man authorities say was trespassing to hunt turkeys died when his muzzle-loaded shotgun discharged and struck him in the arm and shoulder. Coroner Dennis Fowler says the land owner notified authorities Saturday that he had found a body, who was identified as 42-year-old Brian James Gilliam of Gaffney. Fowler says it appears Gilliam was climbing out a deep ravine on large unstable rocks when he slipped and the shotgun discharged. He says Gilliam walked about 40 yards to a cleared area, where he was found. The coroner’s investigation showed Gilliam and a friend became separated after they trespassed onto property to hunt turkeys illegally. Fowler says it appears Gilliam left a flashlight on a tree stump, pointing upward, to alert his friend of his location. (Source: Associated Press)