According to the sheriff's department, Joseph DiBiasa Jr., 66, of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., was hunting on Fitzpatrick Mesa with a group including his 41-year-old son.

Witnesses said the group was walking through the forest when the shoulder sling on the 7 mm magnum hunting rifle broke. The hunter reacted to secure the weapon before it fell to the ground and inadvertently pulled the trigger.

The rifle discharged, striking DiBiasa in the chest and killing him almost instantly.

The sheriff's office said the death was ruled an accidental shooting and Joseph Michael DiBiasa was not charged in the case.

Ronkonkoma, N.Y., is located on Long Island.