Man accidentally shot and killed himself while playing with gun in Spokane drive-thru line

The man who accidentally shot and killed himself while in his car in north Spokane last week was identified as 23-year-old Austin Wilson.

Wilson’s girlfriend told police they were in the drive-thru line at Supreme Bean on North Hamilton Street at about 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28 when Wilson began talking to her about the time he shot himself in the foot when he was younger, according to court documents.

Wilson then retrieved the gun with which he shot himself – a wooden-handled revolver – from the center console, and spun it on one of his fingers after laughing.

Wilson’s girlfriend said the gun unintentionally fired as it went around Wilson’s finger and a bullet struck him in the chest, court documents say. Wilson told his girlfriend to call 911.

Wilson was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he died at about 4:30 p.m., according to court documents. The Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident.

Wilson had just moved back to Spokane from Billings, according to an obituary. He had previously worked for Alpine Landscape and M & L Construction in Spokane.

“Austin had a way of brightening a room with his presence. Always smiling and having fun. He loved his family most,” the obituary says. “He loved hunting, shooting and spending time with friends just being crazy. We are going to miss his big smile, hugs and everything about him.”

A celebration of life for Wilson will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Eagles Hall in Lewistown, Montana.