maxcy died near fort washington, maryland, on february 28, 1844, as a result of the explosion on board , which also killed five others, including two members of president john tyler's cabinet. maxcy was struck by metal shards from the "peacemaker" cannon, a large artillery piece made by the hogg & delamater ironworks which was being fired as part of a demonstration for visiting dignitaries. according to published accounts, maxcy lost both arms and a leg in the explosion and was killed instantly.