On a late Saturday night in March 2019, 46-year-old James M. Hammer Sr. died after a firearm he was disassembling accidentally discharged at his Gunning River Road home in Barnegat, New Jersey. His wife called emergency services reporting a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Responders found Hammer critically injured; he was taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center, then airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Trauma Center in Atlantic City, where he died around midnight.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office investigated and ruled the death an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound, noting neither alcohol nor other substances were contributing factors and there was no threat to the public. Hammer was a 21-year military veteran who served in the Marines, Air Force and Army National Guard, later worked as a corrections officer, and was an active member of the Barnegat Volunteer Fire Department. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father of seven and grandfather.

If anyone knew James or was in the Barnegat area that night and has details to share, please post what you know.