Shooting death explained as Russian roulette

<p>A Sacramento man died Thursday at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital following what may have been a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, authorities said.</p><p>Raymond Harold Gage, 46, had been camping on a friend's property in a remote area near Potter Valley for three weeks, helping build a structure, said Mendocino County sheriff's Detective Greg Van Patten.</p><p>The friend told authorities Gage had brought a .38-caliber revolver to the property to protect himself against mountain lion attacks, Van Patten said.</p><p>At about 4 p.m. Wednesday, while relaxing during the heat of the day, Gage began playing Russian roulette with the loaded gun, the friend told authorities.</p><p>Gage was transported to the hospital by helicopter.</p><p>Deputies who came to investigate the shooting found about 50 marijuana plants growing in the area, Van Patten said. He said the investigation is continuing.</p><p>-- Glenda Anderson</p>