Patrolman John F. McDermott, aged 38, was a dedicated officer of the Chicago Police Department. On April 11, 1900, he tragically died as a result of an accidental discharge of his firearm. McDermott was found by his sister, Mary, behind his residence at 3451 West 15th Street with a gunshot wound to his head. He was transported to Cook County Hospital, where he briefly regained consciousness but could not explain how he was injured.
He passed away later that day.
Investigating officers concluded that McDermott had accidentally fallen down the back stairwell of his residence, causing his revolver to discharge and strike him in the head. His revolver was found lying a few feet away from him. McDermott was laid to rest on April 14, 1900, in Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Illinois.
There were no arrests, suspects, litigations, or murder investigations related to his death, as it was determined to be an accident. McDermott's service and sacrifice are honored by the Chicago Police Department, and his star was retired and enshrined in the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case at Chicago Police Headquarters.
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