Shooting death ruled accidental

An accidental gunshot to the head ended the life of 53-year-old David J. Holiday, Jr. on Wednesday evening, October 10.

Sgt. Seth Place of the Sheriff’s Office is investigating the accident, which involved Holiday thinking a loaded handgun was unloaded at a home off Highland Ridge.

Two of Holiday’s friends told police that he was sitting at the kitchen table when he mistakenly pulled the trigger of his loaded .30 cal Ruger pistol and shot himself in the right temple. He had been showing off his six handguns to his guests.

Alcoholic beverages had been consumed that evening, but it was unclear how inebriated he was, police said.
Officers drove to Gallitzin, Pennsylvania that night to notify Holiday’s parents.

There were no signs to indicate suicide or foul play. An autopsy report is forthcoming. Police consider the case closed.