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 ...
So what were his last words?
“Hold muh beer”?
I suppose this is another reason why all fireworks seem to be manufactured in China.
If there was a US-based manufacturer with assets to go after, fools like this and their tort-lawyers would have already sued them.
Seems like an admission.
Bummer too, He was probably a solid conservative vote.
Sad story.
It says he ordinarily did not drink, but had been drinking before this happened.
“I have a splitting headache”
Hokay. How about we just remember him as a fool?
Fireworks and alcohol. It’s worse as he was reportedly not a heavy abuser but mix drink with fireworks and it’s a recipe for disaster.
Why would anyone talk to the media after something like this?
Cigarettes and flammable explosives. Not a good combination.
Completely avoidable. Another example in the crowded field of people of whom ya’ gotta’ shake your head when you hear their story.
He died because he was an idiot.
They could still go after importers and those who sell them.
Everyone remembered what a charming, vibrant personality he had. He really lit up a room when he came in.
What percentage of the population are plainly stupid? No remedial efforts seem to help.
What were the last words? “Hold my beer and watch this”?
Black Cat firecrackers always came with good advice printed on them: “Lite fuse. Get Away. Do not hold in hand.” Those simple rules are timeless and easy to follow.
“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.” Allen won’t be doing that again.
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