Officer Benjamin Ayers succumbed to an accidental gunshot wound sustained when a pistol fell to the ground and discharged.

On January 2, 1878, Officer Ayers and his Sergeant Blodgett were walking at the corner of Pine Street and Ewing Avenue when they met a third officer. The other officer had borrowed a pistol from another off duty officer and asked that the sergeant return it, as the other officer was scheduled for the next watch. Sergeant Blodgett placed the pistol in the inside pocket of his coat and he and Officer Ayers began walking again. The pistol fell from his pocket between the sergeant's feet and discharged. The round struck Officer Ayers on the inside of the left thigh and ranged upward. A doctor responded to treat Officer Ayers and although he could not find the bullet he believed that Officer Ayers could survive the wound. Officer Ayers died from his injuries at his residence on January 4, 1878 at 9:30 am.

Officer Ayers had served on the police department since May 20, 1876. He was survived by his wife and three children.