A Pike County man was killed Friday evening when a gun accidentally discharged as he removed it from his truck.

Kenneth Griffin, 51, was with several friends and preparing to go target shooting off County Road 17.

According to Pike County Coroner Jerry Williams, Griffin was removing his shotgun from the back seat of his 4-door truck at approximately 5:30 p.m. The gun, which was covered by some clothing, became tangled and discharged a blast, killing Griffin instantly.

Witnesses called emergency officials and Griffin was pronounced dead at that scene. After an investigation by the District Attorney's office, the Pike County Sheriff's Department and Williams, the incident was ruled an accident.

Griffin lived on 231-North and operated a cabinet-making shop.