The owner of an Ohio gun shop was shot dead Saturday when a student attending a firearms-safety class accidentally discharged his weapon, officials said.

James Baker, 64, died at the scene, the KayJay Gun Shop in Amelia.

Sheriff A.J. Rodenberg said the victim was in a room adjacent to the one where the “concealed-carry class’’ with 10 students was taking place.

One of the participants fired his gun while practicing “weapons-malfunction drills.’’

Neighbor Anita Fritz told WCPO-TV in Cincinnati that Baker had spent his life teaching others how to protect themselves.