A hunting excursion in Louisiana ended in tragedy when a father, known for his “heart of gold,” was accidentally shot and killed last month.

Garret Verdun, aged 45, lost his life when a hunting rifle inadvertently discharged as he and his companion were heading to their designated hunting areas in Lafourche Parish. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on November 29, according to a statement from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

Verdun’s hunting partner explained to the LDWF that the unfortunate accident happened just after they had crossed a cattle guard. Verdun handed over the rifle to his partner, at which point it accidentally fired. The .308-caliber bullet hit Verdun, resulting in his death before emergency services could reach the scene.

His remains have been entrusted to the Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office. The LDWF is currently collaborating with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate the incident further.

Garret Verdun was fondly remembered as a passionate outdoorsman who always prioritized his family above all else.

Verdun is survived by his 19-year-old  daughter Chloe, his son Ethan, and his fiancée Tiffany Hunter.

Chloe paid tribute to her father on Facebook, writing, “I wish more than anything I wouldn’t be making this post, but I’m so blessed to have shared 19 years with you. I love you forever, Dad, and always will.”

She added: “You will forever be my role model and favorite person. Until we meet again, forever will be your love bug.”

Verdun died during a hunting trip in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, on Nov. 29, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said. (iStock)

An online obituary remembered Verdun as a man with a “heart of gold” who was “ready to lend a hand or offer a comforting word,” noting that “his life, though too short, was rich with deep relationships and a boundless capacity for love.”

It said his greatest joy came from time spent with his children, fiancée and family.

“Garret was an avid outdoorsman at heart,” the obituary continued. “He was gifted with hands of a craftsman and enjoyed carpentry and building things. Above all else, his family was his passion, always putting them first. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries urged hunters to keep firearms unloaded and safeties engaged while traveling to and from their hunting locations. (iStock)

The family asks that those wishing to honor Verdun to donate in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project rather than send flowers.

LDWF reminded hunters to keep firearms unloaded and safeties engaged while traveling to and from their hunting locations.