John Daley, a 29-year-old White/Caucasian male, was a dedicated police officer with the Hartford Police Department for nearly seven years. On the afternoon of July 29, 1977, he was on duty, responding to a call about a man armed with a shotgun at a residence on Lyme Street. The situation was tense, and officers were taking strategic positions to address the threat.
As Officer Daley sought cover, a tragic accident occurred.
While moving, he tripped on a curb, causing his service revolver to discharge. The single round struck him in the torso, inflicting extensive internal injuries. His fellow officers rushed to his aid, and he was quickly transported to a local hospital for emergency medical attention.
Despite the swift response and the efforts of medical personnel, the wound proved to be fatal. Officer John Daley succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His death was a devastating blow to his family, who remembered him as a loving husband and son, and to the Hartford Police Department. He was a respected officer who had previously served his country in Vietnam. His death was ruled a tragic accident, and as such, there were no arrests or suspects pursued in the case.
