AUGUSTA — An Augusta man’s family – reeling from his sudden death Thursday, which it believes was the result of an unintentional, self-inflicted gunshot wound – has started a fund to help with burial and other expenses.
Steve Quinn, 43, was found dead in his home on Mount Vernon Avenue at 5 a.m. Thursday, and an autopsy was conducted at the state medical examiners’ office on Friday.
Police initially described the death as unexplained but not suspicious. Maine State Police responded to the residence as well.
Jared Mills, deputy chief of the Augusta Police Department, said in a news release Friday that the investigation is continuing, but it indicates there is no danger to the public. Authorities have not yet identified Quinn as the man who died, but the family has identified him to the Kennebec Journal.
“The autopsy was completed earlier this morning; however, the cause of death is still pending the toxicology reports,” Mills said in the news release.
Bryan Colby, who identified himself as a nephew of Quinn’s, sent an email to the Kennebec Journal saying the family believes Quinn accidentally shot himself in the stomach while either cleaning the gun or clearing the gun off a table and was unaware it was loaded.
“The clip was locked up, and the only reason he had the gun out was that he lived in a bad neighborhood and wanted to protect his family,” Colby wrote.
The family has started a crowdfunding campaign at www.gofundme.com/stevequinn with a goal of raising $12,000.
It says Quinn was born in West Farmington and that he and his life partner, Mary Morton – who were together for 29 years – had three sons.
“The untimely death, however, left the family in financial distress as Steve was without life insurance, and all assets were in his name alone,” the page states.
Betty Adams can be contacted at 621-5631 or at:
badams@centralmaine.com
Twitter: betadams
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