Suicide reported at Bellingham firing range

BELLINGHAM — Authorities say a 71-year-old suburban Seattle man rented a pistol and then shot himself at a public Bellingham shooting range.

The Bellingham Herald reports sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident shortly at the Plantation Rifle Range on Sunday afternoon.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Doug Chadwick says employees told investigators the man arrived at the facility, rented a 9mm handgun and began target shooting.

Chadwick says according to witnesses, the man stopped shooting for several minutes and then shot himself.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released. Whatcom County medical examiner Dr. Gary Goldfogel ruled the death a suicide.

Chadwick says the man left his car keys and directions for people to make sure his dog was taken care of.

This was the third suicide at the range since 2009.