Send this page to someone via email

A man in Arizona was fatally shot after he asked a friend to fire a rifle at him to test out a bulletproof vest he was wearing.

According to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, three male friends were firing a single-shot rifle at a ballistic vest out in the desert.

At some point, the 25-year-old victim put the vest on with a ballistic plate in place, and asked a friend to shoot at him.

READ MORE: Firefighters injured in fire at fire station after fire engine catches fire

According to the Eastern Arizona Courier, the friend fired a single shot from a .223 rifle, and the bullet penetrated the vest and plate.

Parker Ray Lynch suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Lynch was rushed to a hospital where he died during surgery on Tuesday.

Story continues below advertisement

According to the newspaper, the rifle, vest and plate were recovered at the scene.

READ MORE: Son sets mother’s house on fire after argument over box of Cheez-Its

The alleged shooter, who police identified as Steven Watson, was arrested and booked on suspicion of manslaughter.

Sheriff’s officials say the investigation remains ongoing.