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Heartbreaking last words of man who died after firework exploded on his head during 4th of July party
msn ^ | 07/06/2026 | Frida Liljefors

Posted on 07/06/2026 7:07:25 AM PDT by BenLurkin

A South Carolina family is remembering the final words of a father who was killed in a devastating fireworks accident during a 4th of July celebration.

Allen Ray McGrew died in July 2024 after a firework exploded while he was celebrating at a neighborhood block party in Summerville, located in Dorchester County.

The 41-year-old had spent the evening celebrating what his family described as his favorite holiday. Videos later shared online showed him dancing, smoking a cigarette, and wearing an Uncle Sam costume while friends and relatives laughed nearby.

Speaking to The Post and Courier, Allen’s wife Paige said he appeared to be preparing to place a large firework on the ground after holding it above 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,”

According to a police report obtained by WCBD, Paige yelled for her husband to stop, but the firework detonated before he could react. He collapsed immediately after suffering catastrophic head injuries...

Authorities said the injuries likely killed him instantly, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10 p.m. The incident happened at around 10:30 p.m.

The family also pushed back against online criticism following the accident, saying Allen should not be remembered as a “drunken fool.”

(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...


TOPICS: Outdoors
KEYWORDS: 2024
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To: BenLurkin

“injuries likely killed him instantly”, yet he had some last words? Even “OUCH !!” would’ve been impossible.


61 posted on 07/06/2026 9:35:37 AM PDT by CivilWarBrewing (Get off my back for my usage of CAPS, especially you snowflake males! MAN UP!)
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To: Opinionated Blowhard

He surely went out with a bang.


62 posted on 07/06/2026 9:36:25 AM PDT by CivilWarBrewing (Get off my back for my usage of CAPS, especially you snowflake males! MAN UP!)
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To: Crusher138

My sons were at this event.
My husband and I were on a vacation.
They called us before the news told us.
Grateful they were not hurt.
FYI, we moved back to Texas!

Overview of the Fireworks Explosion
A significant incident occurred during a Fourth of July fireworks display at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, where a malfunctioning launching platform led to an explosion that injured numerous spectators.
Details of the Incident
Date and Location
Date: July 4, 2013
Location: Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, Simi Valley, California


63 posted on 07/06/2026 10:00:14 AM PDT by missthethunder (Since the 1980 Rona Barrett interview. IYKYK. )
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To: paulcissa

Finally. After 22 posts. I wondered when his name would show up. And well-deserved at that.


64 posted on 07/06/2026 11:28:49 AM PDT by DPMD (u)
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To: ProtectOurFreedom

It should read, “don’t detonate fireworks on top of your head. Always detonate fireworks on top of someone else’s head.”


65 posted on 07/06/2026 11:44:08 AM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; not averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: JBW1949

I am more concerned about idiots causing property damage and fires to others as well.


66 posted on 07/06/2026 11:45:28 AM PDT by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; not averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: V_TWIN
Fireworks and alcohol don’t mix.

I couldn’t agree more.

67 posted on 07/06/2026 1:14:48 PM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
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To: mdmathis6

Alcohol and gunpowder doesn’t mix well


68 posted on 07/06/2026 1:31:41 PM PDT by Keyhopper (Indians had bad immigration laws)
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To: Vermont Lt
Why would anyone talk to the media after something like this?

Because their brain has pumped their bloodstream full of adrenaline to cope with the shock. May as well be drunk when the reporter sticks a camera in their face and says, "How do you feel?"—the single most annoying question in all television, for all time.

69 posted on 07/06/2026 1:41:40 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: Getready
What percentage of the population are plainly stupid? No remedial efforts seem to help.

At any given time, 49% of the people are below average.

70 posted on 07/06/2026 1:43:47 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: BenLurkin

You can count on it
Empathy such a rare commodity here
As usual

I always wonder how many are tough

Tested


71 posted on 07/06/2026 1:46:56 PM PDT by wardaddy (If u hate Trump you’re stupid Tor clueless and what’s going on We’re fighting for our civilization s)
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To: DennisR
Happened near a friend’s home.

Wow. Photo from that article:


72 posted on 07/06/2026 1:49:01 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: catnipman
[also, never throw live ammunition in a camp fire to see what happens, but that’s another story.]

Best I can do is never roast chestnuts in a microwave. I still find specks on the ceiling.

73 posted on 07/06/2026 1:54:02 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: Wally_Kalbacken
of the fireworks company’s mortar tubes misfired, and an employee looked into the barrel to see what was wro... and, well, you get the rest...

Time to trot out this “FR classic” photo of Al Gore:


74 posted on 07/06/2026 2:05:10 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: Albion Wilde

“Best I can do is never roast chestnuts in a microwave. I still find specks on the ceiling”

in that case, see what happens when you put shelled hard boiled eggs in the microwave ... [disclaimer: actually, not recommended]


75 posted on 07/06/2026 2:07:47 PM PDT by catnipman ((A Vote For The Lesser Of Two Evils Still Counts As A Vote For Evil))
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To: fwdude
pets and wildlife are absolutely terrified by the sounds. It is a real trauma to a lot of pets.

It's the only time of year when the smartass cat will let you hold it while it trembles.

76 posted on 07/06/2026 2:12:56 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: Steven Scharf

It’s almost as if some FR thread hosts have stock in the websites they link to. It’s common knowledge public statements are copywritten and can be reposted. But they still post in this fashion... deliberately leave out the public statement so you MUST click into the link and go to the source page. I will never do it!! Precisely because its deliberate. ...for what ever reason...


77 posted on 07/06/2026 2:28:09 PM PDT by sit-rep (START DEMANDING INDICTMENTS NOW!!!!!)
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To: telescope115
There should also be a warning saying: DO NOT INSERT INTO RECTUM.

I've heard of lighting farts, but that right there is ridiculous.

Dig the girlfriend's expression... clearly, they're not married yet.

78 posted on 07/06/2026 2:30:00 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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To: BenLurkin

He died doing what he loved.


79 posted on 07/06/2026 2:34:19 PM PDT by parmamenian
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To: catnipman

But why would you? They are already cooked. Serious question.


80 posted on 07/06/2026 2:34:35 PM PDT by Albion Wilde (The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. --DJT)
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