Poppy Bilderbeck
A man has passed away after placing a lit firework on his head during a Fourth of July party.
On Thursday (4 July), Dorchester County Sheriff's department was called to an address in Cottonwood Drive, Summerville in South California, after 41-year-old Allen Ray McGrew placed a lit firework on his head and it erupted.
Allen's wife, Paige McGrew, told The Post and Courier her husband was wearing a stars and stripes Uncle Sam outfit and 'holding this firework over his top hat' at around 10.30pm.
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She thought he was 'just showboating before he set it on the ground' but then realized 'he had already lit it' and despite her and others' warnings, the firework erupted.
McGrew then collapsed, according to Dorchester County Sheriff's department, before he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.10pm.
His cause of death is reported by coroners as resulting from 'massive head injuries' which would've killed him immediately.
Paige has since opened up further about the incident.
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She explained 'everyone was drinking a little' on the night of the party but 'Alan was not a drinker' and 'didn't drink regularly'.
According to Paige, Allen had said the Fourth of July party would be the last time he drunk in a while and an opportunity not just to celebrate independence day, but also their son Hunter's engagement and wedding day.
Paige reflected: "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."
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Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit has warned members of the public from using fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations.
Public information officer for Cal Fire's Santa Clara Unit, Chelsea Burkett, warned residents not to set off fireworks themselves because of the danger they pose - such as starting fires.
She told NBC Bay Area: "It happens every year. We see it often and we strongly encourage residents to let the professionals do the show."
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While the fireworks used by Allen were legal, there have also been warnings surrounding illegal fireworks.
Medical director of the Regional Burn Center at Valley Medical Center, Dr Cliff Sheckter, warned: "These are mortars, small pieces of dynamite. These can and will blow off your fingers and your hands. We see every year.
"Unfortunately, these types of injuries are not reparable in most circumstances and that obviously is life-altering."
UNILAD has contacted the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and Dorchester County Coroner's Office for comment.
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.