An Ironton father was killed Friday in an accident that occurred while he was hunting with his young son.

Mark Bailey, 40, of Ironton, was pronounced dead at King’s Daughters Medical Center shortly after 5:30 p.m. Bailey died from a single gunshot wound to his upper back.

According to Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies, Bailey was hunting with his 11-year-old son in the woods behind the family’s home along State Route 650 when the accident occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m.

Police weren’t releasing any additional details about the accident but said they were continuing to investigate.

“This appears to be a tragic accident, our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family,” said Sheriff Jeff Lawless.

The news of Bailey’s death spread quickly through Lawrence County over the weekend. The 1990 graduate of Rock Hill High School was a U.S. Army Veteran and as well as a youth basketball coach.