Patrolman Platner was accidentally shot and killed when his partner’s gun fell from its holster and discharged during a foot pursuit. The two officers had responded to a burglary and encountered the suspect, who fled on foot. The two officers chased the man and as the partner climbed a fence his revolver fell from its holster, struck the ground, and discharged. The round struck Patrolman Platner in the chest. He was transported to General Hospital where he died of his wound the next day.

Patrolman Platner was survived by his three children.