By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

UPDATE: The deceased individual whose body was discovered inside a construction dumpster in the 1300 block of 28th St. SW has been identified as Joseph Otis Hammer, a 38-year-old from Wyoming. His family has been notified.

At approximately 9:20 p.m. on June 28, 2026, Wyoming Fire Department personnel responded to the construction site following a report of a dumpster fire. Upon arrival, crews located the dumpster, but found no active fire and no evidence that one had occurred. During their inspection of the scene, Fire personnel observed an individual inside the walk-in style dumpster. Crews entered to render aid, but the person was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Wyoming Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the death. At this time, no foul play is suspected. The Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office has conducted an autopsy; the cause and manner of death remain pending the final autopsy report.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.