Why is a dead man's hand of cards named so?

Question

Aces and 8's, explain please.

Answer 1

It's the hand Wild Bill Hickock was holding when he was shot to death.

Answer 2

plus the queen of hearts

i got it from some card trick.  legend has it that thats what the legendary Bill Hiccock was holding when someone came up behind him and shot him dead.

Answer 3

Yep, that is the hand Wild Bill was holding when he was shot to death by Jack McCall in Deadwood S.D..   Legend has it that it was Black Aces and Black 8s (and according to some, the Jack of Diamonds). They spread cards now in that saloon though it is small stakes.