A British doctor has been shot dead while lying in his bed in the US.
Dr Matthew Willson, a 31-year-old astrophysicist from Surrey, was found dead in an apartment block in Clairmont Road, Buford Highway, Georgia at 2am local time.
US police said the shooting appeared to be the result of “reckless discharge”.
Sgt Jake Kissel from the Brookhaven Police Department said: “This incident appears to be a random act involving individuals participating in the reckless discharge of firearm(s) which led to the tragic death of Dr Willson.
“Dr Willson was in town from England visiting loved ones his when the incident occurred."
He was in Georgia to see his girlfriend.
Police had initially been called to the area after they received reports of gunshots in the area. They then received another call that a person had been shot.
Sgt Kissel said officers assisted “with rendering aid until paramedics arrived on scene" and took Dr Willson to hospital.
“Dr Willson was transported to a local trauma centre where he succumbed to his injuries," Sgt Kissel added.
The BBC reports that he suffered a single gunshot wound to the head.
Tributes have been paid to Dr Willson from his alma mater, the University of Exeter.
A spokesperson for the university said in a statement: “Matthew Willson was a former PhD student at the University of Exeter and much-loved member of our astrophysics team.
“We have been informed about his tragic death in the US and our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues. We are offering support to colleagues at the University who will also want to commemorate his life.”
The Foreign Office is now supporting his family.
“We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in the USA, and are in contact with US authorities,” a spokesperson for the Foreign Office said.
So far no one has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Police are offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
