The son of a man who tragically died on the Fourth of July after balancing a lit firework on his head has publicly spoken about the incident. Allen Ray McGrew, 41, was in high spirits, gearing up for the Independence Day celebrations when the accident occurred. His wife, Paige McGrew, reminisced that Allen had always been particularly fond of the holiday. “Allen loved this holiday. 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 shared.
Paige also noted that Allen was not a regular drinker and the celebration was meant to be a final festivity before he planned to quit alcohol for some time. The holiday was also a celebration of his son Hunter’s recent engagement, and Allen was looking forward to welcoming a new member into their family.
However, the festive night took a harrowing turn. The Dorchester County Sheriff’s department reported being called to a residence on Cottonwood Drive in Summerville, South Carolina, where Allen had ignited the firework on his top hat at around 10:30 pm. Dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit, Paige initially thought her husband was simply showing off the firework before placing it on the ground. Tragically, she realized too late that he had lit the firework while it was still on his head. The firework exploded, and Allen collapsed, later pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10 pm.
His son Hunter told the New York Post, “We’re traumatized.” A video capturing Allen dancing in his costume before the accident has been shared on social media, drawing harsh criticism from viewers.
Hunter has condemned the negative remarks online, which labeled his father as a drunken fool. The family insists that Allen was far from that portrayal. Paige remembered her husband’s last moments with great emotion. “Just before the incident happened, he hugged me and his son and said, ‘You are my rock, and you are my heart,'” she said, highlighting the deep bond they shared.
“He was a genuine, good person and he loved life,” she added.
If you or someone you know is dealing with bereavement and needs someone to talk to, The Compassionate Friends can be reached at (877) 969-0010 for confidential support.