Investigators say the Rev. Liston Richardson's death was an accident. His wife found him Tuesday afternoon on their property in Montgomery County, the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle reported.

Ted Denny, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said Richardson was on the ground with the goat over him and the animal's rope wrapped around his neck and feet.

Richardson, 76, had been pastor of the Sunnyview Independent Missionary Baptist Church for 30 years. Doug Underwood, a childhood friend, described him as "a fine man and a good solid Baptist preacher."

Family members said Richardson had recently had a triple bypass.

Deputy David Johnson said the goat tried to attack Richardson's wife and the ambulance crew.

"It's my understanding that a son shot the goat," Denny said.