Sergeant Mack succumbed to a gunshot wound received while serving a warrant at a house on Pillsbury Avenue South on December 13, 1979. Although the officers identified themselves several times the suspect claimed he shot in self defense. Sergeant Mack was struck several times. He remained in a coma for two years before emerging from it. He remained a quadriplegic until his death seven years after the incident as a result of infections related to the wounds. The suspect was never charged with the murder.

Officer Mack was survived by his wife and two sons.