In this tragic incident, a man in South Carolina died while attempting to show off with fireworks at a Fourth of July celebration.
Allen Ray McGrew tragically lost his life during a Fourth of July celebration after a lit firework exploded on his head. His wife, Paige McGrew, shares the heart-wrenching details of the incident that took place in Summerville, South California.
Allen McGrew, 41, was celebrating Independence Day adorned in a stars and stripes Uncle Sam outfit when the fatal accident occurred.
The incident occurred at a party on Cottonwood Drive, where McGrew, dressed in a stars and stripes Uncle Sam outfit, held the firework over his top hat around 10:30 PM.
According to Paige McGrew, he was playfully holding a firework over his top hat
Talking to The Post and Courier, Paige McGrew, Allen's wife, thought he was joking.
However, Paige realized too late that the firework had already been ignited, despite warnings from her and others.
Initially, onlookers assumed McGrew was merely showboating before setting the firework on the ground.
However, to their horror, they realized he had already ignited it. Despite warnings from his wife, Paige McGrew, and others, the firework erupted, causing Allen to collapse.
The Dorchester County Sheriff's department reported that Allen collapsed immediately after the explosion and was pronounced dead at the scene by 11:10 pm.
The cause of death, determined by coroners, was severe head injuries.
According to Paige, alcohol was involved in the incident, although Allen was not a regular drinker.
Paige also revealed that the Fourth of July gathering was not only about Independence Day but also an opportunity to celebrate their son Hunter's engagement.
Paige shared: "Allen loved this holiday. He was a patriot, he was proud of his son and he was excited to have a new daughter-in-law. He was living his best life last night."
Chelsea Burkett, a public information officer from Cal Fire's Santa Clara Unit, reiterated the dangers associated with fireworks, urging the public to leave displays to trained professionals to prevent accidents like Allen McGrew's.
Despite legal use, fireworks can cause serious injuries, as highlighted by Dr. Cliff Sheckter from Valley Medical Center's Regional Burn Center, who described fireworks as hazardous devices capable of life-altering injuries.
