HELENA- Lewis and Clark Co. Coroner Bryan Backeberg identified the man who died as a result of a gunshot wound in the former Kmart parking lot.
Backeberg says the man was Dr. Eugene “Buzz” Walton II. Walton’s body was taken to Missoula for an autopsy.
HPD Lt. Brett Petty said officers responded just before 12:30 p.m. Sunday, after multiple people called 911 to report hearing a gunshot in the area. They found Walton with an apparent gunshot wound and began attempting lifesaving measures.
The Helena Fire Department and medical responders from St. Peter’s Hospital arrived soon after and provided medical aid.
Walton was taken to St. Peter’s by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.
Petty said Walton had just returned from a hunting trip with another man, and that he was trying to get his hunting rifle out of the back of the truck when a rifle discharged.
