Allen Ray McGrew, 41, from South Carolina, was seen dancing in his star-spangled suit on his favorite holiday as members of the neighborhood gathered for a street party in Summerville, Dorchester County. Carelessly enjoying the festivities, Allen was seeing dancing a jig just minutes before tragedy struck.
His wife Paige told how her husband had placed the large firework on top of his head to “show off” after drinking for several hours during the day, reports the Post and Courier. Paige told the publication: “He was holding this firework over his top hat I thought he was just showboating before he set it on the ground. I didn’t realize he had already lit it.”
Paige described how she urged her husband to stop before it suddenly erupted and he fell to the floor. Coroner Paul Brouthers said the exploding device caused massive head injuries that would have killed McGrew instantly. He was officially pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10 p.m.
The grieving widow said her husband died doing what he loved, adding how July 4 was his favorite holiday. Paige said: “Allen loved this holiday,” she said. “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.”
For any younger folks reading along - this probably wasn’t anything unusual happening with the firework, itself. This happens every time. Fireworks fire a tremendous body-rending amount of force downward, to push themselves into the air.
Which is why all of my 4th of July hats include built in launch pads.
I remember reading about someone doing this exact thing every few years, though it’s less common than someone blowing up their hand.
Yeah. I’ve read pretty much this exact story before, as well.
The versions with lost fingers don’t usually make the news, but I’ve known enough personally to imagine it’s pretty common.