Robert J. Hamm III, 61, of Berwick, Pennsylvania, died on May 15, 2021, after being injured at the Pennsylvania Game Commission shooting range in Archbald, Lackawanna County. Hamm was using a handgun that exploded when it was fired by another person standing nearby. He suffered blunt force and penetrating chest wounds and died during surgery at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.

The handgun belonged to Hamm and was believed to have been loaded with reloaded ammunition. Another person was also injured, sustaining a cheek wound and requiring hospitalization. Archbald Police investigated the malfunctioning weapon and the use of reloaded rounds to determine how the explosion occurred and whether any negligence or improper handling played a role. The Lackawanna County Coroner ruled the manner of death accidental, and no arrests or criminal charges were identified.

If anyone was at the Archbald range that day or has information about the firearm, the ammunition used, or the incident, please share what is known.