Shooting accident kills man

A man died in a shooting that appeared to be accidental Sunday, according to Seneca County Sheriff's Office. At 11:56 a.m., the sheriff’s office received a report about a man who accidentally was shot, according to a sheriff's office spokeswoman. Detective Kevin Reinbolt said the shooting appeared to be an unfortunate and tragic accident. The sheriff's office identified the man involved in the shooting at 8782 E. TR 8 as Nickolas Hughes, 23, of Willard. Reinbolt said Hughes appeared to have had a single gunshot wound to the chest. Reinbolt said several people were target shooting and it was not ruled out that there could have been a malfunction with the gun. The firearm is to be sent to Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for analysis, he said. Reinbolt declined to identify the person who authorities believe accidentally shot Hughes. Hughes' body was taken to Lucas County Coroner's Office for an autopsy, he said. The home is owned by Dennis and Kathy Straughsbaugh, according to Seneca County Auditor's Office website. Reinbolt said the owners were not home at the time of the shooting, but a son and several friends were at the residence. Republic EMS, Scipio-Republic Fire Department, Bloomville EMS, the Echo unit and Seneca County Coroner's Office assisted at the scene.