Heartbreaking photos emerge of a dog owner fatally shot by a dog in a freak accident in a pickup truck

A DOG owner has been fatally shot after a pup jumped on a hunting rifle in his car, causing a freak accident that left his family and friends devastated.

Heartbreaking photos have surfaced of 30-year-old Kansas plumber Joseph Smith, who is remembered by his loved ones as a “positive light”.

2

2

Smith was tragically discovered in the front seat of his vehicle around 9:40 a.m. Monday after the shooting, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said.

Officers attempted life-saving measures to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, KSN reports.

Investigators found a rifle and hunting gear in the back and determined that a dog was responsible for the shooting.

More details about the beloved plumber were revealed in a GoFundMe set up by his former employees at Browns Plumbing Service to raise money for memorial expenses.

A man named Chris, who appeared to be a former colleague according to the heartbreaking description, said Smith was “loved and loved just as much by all of us from all walks of life.”

“No matter how bad or stressful my or our day was, Joe always had something to lift our spirits.

“I’ve been a plumber for a long time and I’ve met many, many different guys, but I’ve never met another Joe and I’m confident there may not be another.”

His friend and colleague Jessica described the man killed as a “fool” who could always make someone smile.

“Loving Joe wasn’t hard because he always made you feel special and never left a conversation without letting you know he loves you,” she wrote.

Photos released at the fundraiser appear to show Smith playing and singing in a band.

He can also be seen posing with a cute puppy.

According to the description, funds not used for the memorial should be used to relieve the family financially.

Jessica confirmed Smith was a dog owner, but it’s unclear whether or not his pup was responsible for the shooting.

It’s also unclear whether there were other people in the car during the incident or whether or not the truck was moving when it happened.