Friends and co-workers of the Kansas hunter who was accidentally shot dead by his dog identified him Tuesday as a “goofball” plumber.
Joseph Smith died instantly last weekend when his dog stepped on the hunting rifle he left in the backseat of his pickup truck discharging a fatal shot.
The 30-year-old was a plumber at Browns Plumbing Services, a Wichita company owned by Chris Brown who fondly remembered the late employee.
“Joe is absolutely the most unique individual I have had the pleasure of meeting. He was loved by all of us from all walks of life and loved the same,” Brown said on a fundraiser page set for funeral expenses.
“He made us laugh every morning whether it was at him or because of him. He always made sure to be a positive light at my company. No matter how bad or stressful my or our day was, Joe always had something to lift our spirits.”
Co-worker Jessica described Smith as a “truly amazing man.”
“He was kind, funny, smart, and very loving. Every time he walked through the door, he would make someone smile,” she said.
“Either from being a goofball or just his natural presence making everything better, it wasn't hard to love Joe because he always made you feel like you were one of a kind, and never left a conversation without letting you know he loved you.”
