Man, 49, killed by accidental self-inflicted gunshot, deputies say
Man questioned if round still in chamber before pulling trigger

Author: Tracy Richardson, ClickOrlando.com staff, trichardson@wkmg.com
Published On: Jun 14 2015 02:55:39 PM EDT Updated On: Jun 15 2015 08:58:12 AM EDT

Volusia County Sheriff's Office said that Charles Cooper, 49, and a female friend were on property that Cooper owns in Mims, with plans to fish and barbecue.

The couple had been drinking and sometime while they were outdoors Cooper retrieved a handgun, deputies said. A friend told Cooper that he had removed the magazine from the handgun but questioned aloud whether there was still a round in the chamber.
Deputies said Cooper raised the gun to his head and pulled the trigger, discharging a fatal round. He fell to the ground next to the bonfire.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office was notified Sunday morning around 1:50.

Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Volusia County Medical Examiner's Office will perform an autopsy. All signs at the scene point to the shooting being an accident.