Identity released of Findlay man shot to death by son in 'tragic accident'

7/13/2010

FINDLAY — Authorities Tuesday morning identified an Allen Township man who died after being shot accidentally by his 7-year-old son.

Bradley A. Hammer, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Detective Sgt. Tom Blunk of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office.

Sergeant Blunk said the victim apparently was teaching his son how to shoot when the 22-caliber rifle discharged around 12:30 p.m. Monday. A single bullet struck the man in the head, he said.

"It's a very tragic, tragic incident," Sergeant Blunk said, adding that there was nothing to indicate the shooting was anything but an accident.

An autopsy was to be performed by the Lucas County Coroner's Office, and Sergeant Blunk said he could not comment further on what happened until he has received the autopsy results.

The shooting occurred in Mr. Hammer's backyard on Fairfield Street in an unincorporated residential area just north of Findlay.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay.

Sergeant Blunk said he did not know if the man died before reaching the hospital. Hancock County Coroner Mark Fox said the autopsy is scheduled to be performed by the Lucas County coroner on Wednesday.