A former Flathead County resident has died in Billings after suffering an accidental gunshot wound to the head.

Juan Carlos Lopez-Holden, 26, died Tuesday in the intensive care unit of St. Vincent Hospital, according to his mother, Marion Foley.

Foley said the incident was initially believed to be a suicide, but further investigation determined that a friend of Lopez-Holden’s handed him a gun to look at that still had one round inside. Lopez-Holden believed the gun had been completely emptied.

He was transported to the hospital after being found at an apartment, and succumbed to his injury later that evening.

The Yellowstone County coroner determined the shooting was an accident.

“He had moved to Billings and was living there this past year,” Foley said. “He worked at a sports bar there — a job he loved, and was part of a private boxing club.”

Lopez-Holden had spoken to his mother just four days earlier, telling her he was looking forward to coming home for the holidays.

Foley described her son as a man who faced many challenges in his life including ADHD and fetal alcohol syndrome issues, as well as discrimination for being a Latino in Northwest Montana.

“Life wasn’t easy for him, but he was making his way and doing well. He was at the top of his game, finally,” she said. “We thank all the family, teachers and friends who supported him over the years and supported his struggles.”

Lopez-Holden attended school in the Canyon and Columbia Falls.

A memorial service celebrating Lopez-Holden’s life is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2014, at Canyon Elementary School.

Other survivors include his sister, Jennifer, brothers Robbie and Sean, a niece, Autumn, and a nephew, Thomas.