VALDOSTA — Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk is calling the death of his close friend and Valdosta veterinarian, Dr. Jesse Pittman Davis, a “terrible accident.”

Early Sunday morning, a neighbor found Davis, 57, lying on the driver’s side of his truck bleeding from the chest, said Capt. Brian Childress, Valdosta Police Department spokesman. In Monday’s paper, the Times incorrectly reported Davis’ age as 47.

At 7:20 a.m., officers responded to the north Valdosta residence.

Paulk also came to the scene after he had received the news approximately 10 to 15 minutes after the accident.

Davis was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS workers upon their arrival.

VPD declared Davis’ death an accident, Childress said.

“It initially looks like he was reaching in to grab a .22 rifle,” Childress said. “At this time we do not suspect foul play; however, it is still an ongoing investigation.”

Davis was a veterinarian with the Azalea City Animal Hospital on Bemiss Road.

Paulk, who had beena lifelong friend of Davis, said it was customary for Davis to visit Paulk each Sunday, help feed Paulk’s animals and then go rifle shooting.

“I am sure he thought it was unloaded,” Paulk said. “It had one round in it.”

Paulk said he and Davis became close friends around 15 years of age when Davis’ father died.

“We double dated, played golf together, went hunting and went to the races every year at Daytona,” Paulk said. “He was caring and compassionate.”

Paulk said he didn’t think Davis committed suicide.

“There is no way in the world,” Paulk said. “I was one of his best friends and confidant. If he had any problems he always talked to me about it. It was just an unfortunate accident the way it happened.”

The family is making arrangements to hold a memorial service later this week, Paulk said.