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On Thursday, July 4, Allen Ray McGrew, 41, set a lit firecracker on his head, causing it to explode, prompting the dispatch of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department to an address on Cottonwood Drive in Summerville, South California.
Allen’s wife, Paige McGrew, told The Post and Courier that her husband was wearing a stars and stripes Uncle Sam suit and ‘carrying this firecracker over his top hat’ at approximately 10.30 p.m.
She believed he was ‘just showboating before he placed it on the ground,’ but then discovered ‘he had already lit it,’ and despite her and others’ protests, the fireworks went off.
The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department reports that McGrew then fell and died at the scene at 11:10 p.m.
Coroners report his death as the result of massive head injuries, which would have instantly killed him.
Paige has now talked more about the event.
She stated that ‘everyone was drinking a bit’ on the night of the gathering, but ‘Alan was not a drinker’ and ‘didn’t drink often’.
According to Paige, Allen had stated that the Fourth of July celebration would be his last drink in a long time and that it would be an occasion to celebrate not just Independence Day but also their son Hunter’s engagement and wedding.
Paige reflected: “Allen enjoyed the holiday. He was a patriot, proud of his son, and thrilled to have a new daughter-in-law.” He was living his best life last night.”
Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit has urged the public against using pyrotechnics during Fourth of July celebrations.
Chelsea Burkett, public information officer for Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit, cautioned citizens not to let off fireworks because they might spark fires.
She told NBC Bay Area, “This occurs every year.” We see it frequently, and we strongly advise citizens to let professionals run the show.”
While the explosives Allen used were legal, there have been cautions about unauthorized fireworks.
Dr. Cliff Sheckter, medical director of Valley Medical Center’s Regional Burn Center, issued a warning: “These are mortars, small pieces of dynamite.” These things can and will blow away your fingers and hands. We see this every year.
In most cases, these injuries are irreparable, which is life-altering.”