Man Dies After Lighting 4th of July Firework On Top of Hat

On his favorite holiday, Independence Day, a man sparked a firecracker off of his Uncle Sam top hat, leading to his death.

Allen Ray McGrew (41) passed away July 4th while enjoying the holiday festivities at his Summerville, South Carolina home, according to the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.  

According to Paul Brouthers, the coroner for Dorchester County, McGrew died as a result of accidental brain hemorrhage and cerebral avulsion.

According to Brothers, toxicology reports are still waiting in the case, but an autopsy wasn’t required. The coroner’s office said that they should hear back from the labs with their findings in about a month.

Deputies arrived at the site around 10:30 pm in response to a complaint of a suspicious death.  According to the report, deputies were informed by Paige McGrew that the pair was planning a block party, and it was approximately 6 p.m. that her husband began to drink.

The victim’s wife saw her husband set off a fireworks display, which she interpreted as him just showing off.

According to the victim’s wife, she was attempting to warn Allen against the action when the fireworks went off, and she saw him fall.  Paramedics arrived and declared him dead.

Allen’s wife claimed that he was wearing an Uncle Sam star-spangled costume and a matching top hat when the explosion occurred and that he died doing what he loved.

He had a new daughter-in-law, was proud of his son, and was a patriot. Last night, he enjoyed it to the fullest.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data shows that 8 people lost their lives, and 9,700 were treated in emergency rooms due to fireworks-related incidents in 2023.

According to the National Safety Council, it is better to go to public displays put on by experts than to handle fireworks yourself.