HILLSBORO, Ore. -- A former La Grande schools superintendent charged with molesting a 7-year-old girl has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Irv Nikolai was discovered with a gunshot wound to the chest in his Washington County home. His wife told authorities her husband had been cleaning a gun when it discharged Monday night.

Washington County Sheriff's Sgt. David Thompson says there is no evidence of foul play.

The 71-year-old had been accused of inappropriately touching a 7-year-old girl during an April birthday party in Hillsboro. His trial had been scheduled for July 8.

 Background: Sex abuse case

Nikolai was the interim superintendent in La Grande before resigning after his arrest. He had 20 years of experience as a superintendent, the last 14 in Oregon.