Police confirmed tonight that a man has died after being accidentally shot with an air rifle during a chicken cull.

Ryan Cortez, aged 42, passed away following the incident last Wednesday, October 14 when he received serious head injuries.

Mr Cortez, a Filipino national, had been riding a motorcycle in Pembroke when a pellet from an air rifle struck the rider as he drove along Hurst Crescent at about 5.20pm.

He was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

But a statement issued by Bermuda Police Service tonight said: “Sadly, the BPS can now confirm that 42-year-old Ryan Cortez has succumbed to his injuries.

“Mr Cortez was seriously hurt in a reported chicken culling incident on Hurst Crescent, Pembroke, near Bakery Lane.

“A BPS family liaison officer is currently assisting his next of kin as the investigation regarding this matter continues.”

Police had reported earlier that a man was taken into custody after the tragedy last week and that the weapon involved was seized.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident and had his firearms licence revoked before being released on police bail.

Darren Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said earlier that an approved contractor had been using the weapon to target pest birds in the area when the victim was struck.

A Government spokesman confirmed to The Royal Gazette that a man taken into custody was a “longstanding contractor” engaged in the Feral Chicken Management Plan and not a government employee.