HELENA, MT. (THECOUNT) — Dr. Eugene “Buzz” Walton II, a well known family sports doctor in Helena, MT, was killed after being struck by gunfire when a firearm accidentally discharged.

Lewis and Clark Co. coroner identified Walton as the the man who died as a result of a gunshot wound in the old Kmart parking lot in Helena before 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

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Officials say, 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.

Walton was taken to St. Peter’s by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead shortly after he arrived.

Walton’s body was transported 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. source

According to his website, Walton was Board Certified in Family Medicine Fellowship Trained in Primary Care Sports Medicine.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Walton was an avid runner and triathlete. He completed more than five marathons as well as Ironman Canada and California. He was also a mentor for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training, helping train 16 people to become triathletes, according to his company website.