David Hammer, recently elected DA for Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties, dies Sunday
SHAWNEE — David Hammer, who recently won the district attorney race for Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties, died Sunday according to a social media post by his family. He was 47.
“It is with heavy heart that we announce that David Hammer passed away at 2:15 p.m. today,” family posted on Hammer’s Facebook page. “Details will follow when they are planned. Please keep our family in your prayers.”
Hammer died of a heart attack, sources told The Oklahoman.
Hammer defeated embattled incumbent Allan Grubb and Tanya Roland in the June 28 district attorney race for District 23. Hammer earned 58.2% of the vote.
During the campaign, Hammer pledged to make trust and transparency the hallmarks of his office.
He said "citizens deserve to have complete confidence in how public monies are being managed and spent with no excuses."
Members of the community expressed shock Sunday at the news of Hammer’s death.
Pottawatomie County Sheriff Mike Booth said Hammer was a good man whom anyone would want as a friend, business acquaintance or public servant.
“I’m like thousands of other people that are shocked,” Booth said. “We all feel bad for his family, but there are thousands of people in Lincoln and Pottawatomie County that were looking forward to what David could do in the DA’s Office. We can’t afford to lose people like that, not just from our elected officials. He always fought hard to do the right thing. He’s gonna be missed by a lot of people.”
Richard Smothermon, a member of the state Pardon and Parole Board, said Sunday he was stunned by Hammer's death. Hammer served as an assistant district attorney under Smothermon from 2016 to 2018.
"David was a great prosecutor and friend who was respected by everyone," Smothermon said. "He served the 23rd District with compassion and integrity and would have been an excellent district attorney. Most of all, my heart aches for his family, whom he loved dearly."
According to Hammer's campaign website, he is survived by five children, ages 13 to 21.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: David Hammer, DA-elect for Pottawatomie, Lincoln counties, dies Sunday
