A tragic video captures a South Carolina father, dressed in a stars and stripes outfit and top hat, dancing before his head exploded after he placed a firework on his hat during 4th of July celebrations. The 41-year-old, Allen Ray McGrew, was performing for his neighbors during a block party in the town of Summerville.
NEW: Man filmed dancing just moments before he blew his head up after placing a firework on his hat during 4th of July celebrations.
South Carolina man Allen Ray McGrew passed on Thursday in a tragic firework accident.
The 41-year-old reportedly placed a firework on top of… pic.twitter.com/eqxHjFzyqq
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 6, 2024
McGrew reportedly died at the scene. According to WCBD, he sustained fatal injuries after placing a large firework on his head around 10:30 pm, as stated by the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office. His wife informed deputies that he was attempting to “show off,” despite his family members’ pleas for him to stop.
“He was holding this firework over his top hat,” Paige McGrew told the Post and Courier. “I thought he was just showboating before he set it on the ground. I didn’t realize he had already lit it.”
A police report obtained by the outlet indicated that McGrew had been drinking for several hours before the incident occurred. His son had recently gotten engaged. McGrew, who cherished Independence Day, wore a new Uncle Sam costume at the party. “Allen loved this holiday,” his wife 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, she said, adding that she would remember her husband as a “genuine, good person” who “loved life.”
In the video’s comment section, users emphasized the importance of taking fireworks safety seriously. “This is one of those stories you ask yourself… Why?” one user said, while another wrote, “I will always ask this question every year. Why do people mess with fireworks?” “How many more examples do people need to take fireworks seriously? This is tragic…,” one user wrote. Another said, “Wow. Such a tragedy. People don’t realize how powerful fireworks really are. Even little ones. Leave it to the professionals people.”
“That’s so sad. Why do people do these stupid things? Play stupid games win stupid prizes. Rest in peace. Prayers to his family,” one user said. “Fireworks can be deadly. You have to have common sense. Prayers for his family,” another wrote. One commented, “Damn….thats just so sad. Of course it was a dumb move but after reading that, I just feel awful with no room to critique.”
