IMPERIAL, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a 65-year-old man in southwest Nebraska has died after his rifle discharged accidentally.

Chase County Sheriff Kevin Mueller says Dave Ridlen Sr., of Enders, died Wednesday in a shooting about 20 miles southwest of Imperial.

Mueller says Ridlen shot himself shortly after he shot a coyote while checking on cattle for his employer. Mueller says he believes Ridlen did not place his weapon into a safe setting after he fired it. As he was putting the weapon away in his vehicle, something caused it to discharge.

A single bullet struck Ridlen in his chest and he died instantly. His body was found by his vehicle.