NEW CASTLE, Colo. -- Garfield County investigators say a gunshot that killed an executive of Denver-based Qwest Communications does not appear to be self-inflicted -- so authorities are pursuing the case as a "suspicious death."

A search and rescue team discovered the body of 37-year-old Jeffrey Garrett late Saturday after he failed to meet two friends with whom he'd gone turkey hunting.

An autopsy performed Monday revealed trauma to Garrett's upper-right chest area as a result of the wound, leading authorities to conclude he did not commit suicide.

Garrett worked as Qwest's assistant vice president for Colorado and a state lobbyist for the company.

Sheriff Lou Vallario said someone could've shot Garrett unintentionally while hunting, or a bullet fired toward the sky came down and hit Garrett. He said it could be that Garrett was calling turkeys and someone unintentionally shot in his direction.

Qwest on Tuesday issued this statement: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Jeff Garrett. Jeff was an extremely dedicated and valued leader at Qwest and a familiar face at the Colorado state capitol. More importantly, Jeff was a dear friend to many former and current Qwest employees. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family as they deal with their terrible loss."

Garrett and two friends arrived in the East Elk Creek area north of New Castle around 6:30 a.m. Saturday They split up, agreeing to meet back at the same location later in the morning. However, Garrett never showed up.

His friends are not considered suspects in the case, because the bullet that killed Garrett apparently came from a different kind of gun than the ones his friends carried, said Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario.

He said it could be that Garrett was calling turkeys and someone unintentionally shot in his direction.

Garrett lived in Aurora and is survived by wife and children.