A Southside man well-known and well-regarded in the community died from an apparent accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday morning at Exchange Bank in Rainbow City.

Roy Christopher Daniel, 54, was found at the bank, where he worked as a manager, just after 7:30 a.m., Rainbow City Police Chief Jonathon Horton said, by the next bank employee to arrive at work.

Police secured the scene and continue to investigate the incident, he said, but after viewing security camera recordings, Daniel’s death is believed to be an accident.

Daniel usually arrived at the bank about 7:20 a.m., the chief said, and he usually carried a gun for personal protection.

“He was very security conscious in his position at the bank,” Horton said. “He would come in and make sure the bank was safe.”

“This morning there wasn’t anything wrong, but it appears that he was alarmed of something,” Horton said, after viewing the surveillance footage.

“He had his weapon there with him, and as unfortunate, as tragic, as it sounds ... he accidentally discharged his weapon and it ended his life,” he said.

“Mr. Daniel was a good friend to the city,” Horton said. “He participated on many levels. He was a good friend to all of us — a personal friend.

“It’s just a tragedy. We ask people to pray for his family,” the chief said.