CODY, Wyo. — A volunteer firefighter died Sunday after suffering accidental gunshot wounds to both legs.
Cody Enterprise reported that firefighter Bruce Ellyson, 39, was hunting with friends when the accident occurred.
Firefighter Ellyson and his friends had just finished their hunt and were preparing to leave when a rifle that had been placed in an upright position against their vehicle fell over, discharging when it hit the ground, according to the report.
The round struck Ellyson in the upper portion of his left thigh, passing completely through and entering the upper portion of his right thigh, where the bullet became lodged.
Ellyson was taken to a hospital by ambulance. At one point, he went into cardiac arrest during the transport and had to be given CPR by EMTs. At the hospital, he underwent emergency surgery.
Once stabilized, Ellyson was flown by helicopter to another hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to the report.