On February 22, 1989, a young male named Anthony Acosta lost his life in Springfield, Massachusetts. At 22 years of age, Acosta had been serving as a Correctional Officer with the Hampden County Sheriff's Office for two years. His death was the result of a tragic accident that occurred within the walls of his workplace.
The incident took place at the old Hampden County House of Correction located on York Street.
At the conclusion of visiting hours, Officer Acosta was in the process of returning his service revolver to a gun locker. During this routine action, the firearm accidentally discharged.
The single round from the inadvertent discharge struck him in the face, causing a fatal injury. His death was officially classified as a result of gunfire from an accidental discharge. There were no suspects or arrests associated with the incident as it was determined to be a workplace accident.
