Marshal Sharp was shot and killed when his weapon fell and discharged.

Marshal Sharp was walking down the street at about 4:00 pm and reached down to pickup a stick in the road and his revolver fell from his back pocket to the ground striking the hammer squarely on a stone and the weapon discharged. The bullet entered Marshal Sharp's right side and passed through his abdomen. He underwent an operation to remove the bullet and died at home.

Marshal Sharp had served as marshal for two months. Marshal Sharp had served on night duties in Carl Junction prior to becoming Marshal. He was survived by his wife and six children.