The Kansas hunter, who was found dead Saturday after being accidentally killed when a dog stepped on the trigger of his rifle, has been identified and will be remembered as a musician, plumber and family man.
Joseph Smith, 32, of Wichita was found near the hamlet of Geuda Springs, 50 miles south of Wichita and home to 194 people north of the Oklahoma border, after the dog — thought to be Smith’s — accidentally shot him. Sheriffs believe he died around 9:40 a.m.
“A dog belonging to the owner of the pickup truck stepped on the gun, triggering the gun,” the sheriff’s office said. The round that was fired hit the passenger, who died at the scene from his injuries.
Chris Brown, owner of Brown’s Plumbing Services and Smith’s boss, recalled Smith earlier this week. “Joe is absolutely the most unique person I have ever had the privilege of meeting,” he wrote. “He was loved by all of us from all walks of life and loved the same thing.”
Joseph Smith (pictured), 32, of Wichita was found near the hamlet of Geuda Springs, 50 miles south of Wichita and home to 194 people north of the Oklahoma border. Sheriffs believe he died around 9:40 a.m
Brown has started a GoFundMe on behalf of the family to help with funeral and memorial costs.
“No matter how bad or stressful my or our day was, Joe always had something to lift our spirits,” he added. “I’ve been a plumber for a long time and I’ve met many, many different guys, but I’ve never met another Joe and I’m confident there may not be another.”
Smith’s sister Jen added her own reminiscence: “Joseph Smith was a truly amazing man. He was kind, funny, smart and very loving. He made someone smile every time he walked through the door. Either because he’s a dumbass or just his natural presence that makes everything better.
“It wasn’t hard to love Joe because he always made you feel special and never left a conversation without telling you he loves you. Joe will be greatly missed by so many. He was a great friend, employee, cousin, brother, son and dog owner. We loved and lost one of the best. Rest in Peace Joseph.’
Photos show Smith not only as a plumber and avid dog lover, but also as a musician.
As of Tuesday, over $9,000 of the $20,000 goal had been raised to “enable Joe’s family to grieve without the burden of financial stress,” Brown said.
Her feelings echo a friend who took to social media to defend Smith after many poked fun at the unfortunate, accidental shooting before he was identified.
The Kansas hunter, who was found dead Saturday after being accidentally killed when a dog stepped on the trigger of his rifle, has been identified and remembered as a musician, plumber and family man
Chris Brown, owner of Brown’s Plumbing Services and Smith’s boss, wrote: “Joe is absolutely the most unique person I have ever had the privilege of meeting. He was loved by all of us from all walks of life and loved the same.
Brown has started a GoFundMe on behalf of the family to help with funeral and memorial costs
“To all the comedians and gun experts here, this boy was my friend, his father’s best friend for over 20 years,” he wrote. “These comments are hateful.
“I know this family very well and I can’t tell you how much their heart aches right now. Shame on you.’
Pet shootings are rare but not uncommon.
In November, a 32-year-old man was reportedly shot dead by his own dog in Turkey after the dog stepped on the trigger of a shotgun and fired at him.
Ozgur Gevrekoglu was killed while hunting with his friend on the Kizlan Plateau in Turkey’s Samsun province, Turkiye newspaper reported, according to Newsweek.
Smith’s sister Jen added her own reminiscence: “Joseph Smith was a truly amazing man. He was kind, funny, smart and very loving. He made someone smile every time he walked through the door. Either because he’s a dumbass or just his natural presence that makes everything better.
Photos show Smith not only as a plumber and avid dog lover, but also as a musician
Smith was feted by the owner of Brown’s Plumbing Services, where Smith worked
As he put his dog in his car, the animal’s paw touched the loaded gun and the rifle fired at Gevrekoglu at close range.
He was taken to the hospital after the incident and was later pronounced dead.
And in 2015, an Indiana woman was shot in the foot by her dog, Trigger.
Allie Carter, 25, put her 12-gauge shotgun on the ground without a safety during a waterfowl hunt in the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area, Indiana Conservation Commissioner Jonathon Boyd said.
Boyd said Trigger, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever, mounted the shotgun and pulled the trigger.
He said Carter was shot in the left foot at point-blank range and sustained injuries to her foot and toes.
She was treated in two hospitals and discharged.