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A South Carolina man has passed away after allegedly igniting a firework on his head on July 4.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, the man passed away on Thursday. The New York Post adds that he has been identified as Allen Ray McGrew, 41.
Fox 35 Orlando reports that McGrew’s wife, Paige, told authorities that they were enjoying a block party on the July 4th holiday and her husband had been drinking “for several hours.” Around 10:30 p.m., McGrew’s wife allegedly saw him “put a firework on his head.” The wife reportedly told authorities her husband did this to “show off.”
The outlet adds that McGrew lit the firework before doing so, and it “exploded while on top of his head, causing massive head injuries.”
According to the outlet, July 4th was McGrew’s “favorite holiday.” Additionally, his wife noted that he passed while allegedly “doing what he loved.”
According to the New York Post, Paige reportedly thought her husband was “joking,” along with additional family members present.
“He was holding this firework over his top hat,” she reportedly explained. “I thought he was just showboating before he set it on the ground. I didn’t realize he had already lit it.”
Despite the tragic circumstances, Paige explained that she’ll remember her husband as a “patriot.” Furthermore, she explained that he was “living his best life” when he passed.
“He worked hard and he played hard,” she reportedly explained.
According to Fox 35 Orlando, eight firework-related deaths were reported in 2023. Additionally, “9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries” that same year.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has urged consumers not to handle fireworks while intoxicated. Additionally, the commission advises consumers to refrain from grasping fireworks while they are ignited or while waiting for them to ignite.
