A well-known Laurel business-owner “doing what he loved, where he loved to do it” was killed during a reported hunting accident Tuesday.

Robert Lightsey was 55.

Lightsey, the owner of Lifeguard Medical Alerts and SmarTel Communications and a keyboardist for Highland Baptist Church, was hunting with his son, Tyler, on family land near Heidelberg Tuesday morning when the accident occurred. Early reports show a gun discharged with the bullet striking Lightsey’s chest. The accident, which occurred around 10 a.m., was still under investigation Tuesday afternoon.

Lightsey and his wife, Valerie, have four children: Tyler, Julie, Taylor, and Caroline. Tyler Lightsey and Julie Lightsey are both adults. Taylor Lightsey and Caroline Lightsey both attend West Jones High School.

Lightsey, who moved to Laurel in 1982, worked for Mississippi Music before opening SmarTel Communications in 1990. He later opened Lifeguard Medical Alerts. Both offices are located on Hwy. 15 North in Laurel.

According to Jasper County Coroner Randy Graham, the accident occurred near Highway 588 in Jasper County. He said the incident is under investigation by the Miss. Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, a typical move any time an accident causes a fatality.

Lightsey’s body was transported to Jackson for an autopsy, also a routine measure.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete Tuesday evening.