On a tragic day in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania, the life of 48-year-old Donald Abbott was cut short in a horrifying act of workplace violence. On March 16, 1985, Abbott, a male foreman at the Anchor Glass Container Corp. plant, was one of four victims in a deadly shooting spree carried out by a disgruntled employee.
The gunman was identified as Mansel 'Sonny' Hammett, a 40-year-old factory worker who had been suspended from his job earlier that same day. Armed with a. 38-caliber revolver, Hammett returned to the plant with deadly intent. He sought out and fatally shot four foremen, including Donald Abbott. The other victims of his rampage were John Coligan, 31, Paul Edward Gabelt, 52, and Ralph Michael Tomaro, 52.
Following the targeted killings of his supervisors, the violent episode reached a grim conclusion when Hammett turned the gun on himself, taking his own life. The incident left the community in shock and mourning the senseless loss of four lives. As the perpetrator died at the scene, no arrests were made in connection with the deaths of Donald Abbott and his colleagues.
