CLAY COUNTY, IN (WTWO/WAWV) – The death of a Clay County man has been ruled accidental after an autopsy on Tuesday.
According to Clay County Coroner Lexi Gass, the death of Brandon Hamilton, 41 of rural Jasonville, has been determined as accidental. The cause of death is listed as blast injuries in the autopsy report.
According to Clay County Sheriff Brison Swearingen, on August 9, 2025, at approximately 9:48 PM, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a fireworks-related injury in southern Clay County.
The sheriff noted that according to witnesses, Brandon Hamilton “was attempting to light a firework, a 3-inch mortar, as part of a fireworks display when the device ignited unexpectedly and discharged, striking Mr. Hamilton. Despite immediate emergency efforts, Mr. Hamilton succumbed to his injuries at the scene.”
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the Clay County Coroner’s Office, the Jasonville Police Department, and the Indiana State Police.
