NJ Police Officer Killed In Deer Hunting Accident: Prosecutor

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ - A 38-year-old Hamburg Police Officer was shot and killed in a hunting accident on Tuesday, according to the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office.

Jason Franco was deer hunting with a family member in a wooded area in Wantage when he was struck by a single round from a shotgun, according to First Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller.

The incident happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. and Franco was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, the Hamburg Borough Police Department marked Franco'send of watch on social media. The prayers and condolences came rolling in shortly after. Many who didn't know him personally but were still moved to respond.

"Sending prayers to all who knew him. My sincerest condolences," Heather Faley Baez posted to the Hamburg Police Facebook page. "Officer Franco thank you for your service and may you rest in peace."

Those sentiments were echoed by posters like Scott Tarnoski.

Prayers to the family and the Department," he wrote. "Such a tragic situation."

The Montague Volunteer Fire Department, who had occasion to work with Franco, shared their thoughts as well.

"We offer sincere condolences, he was very passionate about his job," they wrote.

Services for Franco were being planned as of Wednesday and authorities declined to name the family member who was with him when the incident took place.

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