UPDATE: 20-year-old’s death a ‘freak accident,’ Coroner says

A 20-year-old Williamsburg man died from an accidental gunshot wound during a freak accident Saturday afternoon.

Whitley County Chief Deputy Coroner Jerry Croley pronounced Johnathan Perry of 2789 Sandy Flats Road, dead at 3:22 p.m. Saturday from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

"Upon the investigation, we determined that it was accidental," Croley said. "It was very tragic. It was just a freak accident."

Perry, who lived in a small house next to his grandmother, had gone out squirrel hunting, came back to his house and apparently leaned his gun next to the door as he tried to open it, Croley said.

"The gun slipped and discharged hitting him in his abdomen," Croley said.

Perry was alone at the time he was shot. His family later discovered him in the yard.

The day before his death, he had been out target practicing with his grandfather, Croley added.

Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies Johnny Miller and Adam Jarboe also participated in the investigation.

The Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy.

Perry was a student in his second year at the Eastern Kentucky University campus in Corbin.

He is survived by his parents, John and Billie Sue Perry of Williamsburg.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Brian Downs officiating. Following the funeral, he will be laid to rest in the Sandy Flats Community Cemetery in Williamsburg.