Harrowing footage shows the moments before Allen Ray McGrew’s death

A man who died after placing a lit firework on top of his head to celebrate Independence Day shared a heartbreaking final message to his family.
In the moments leading up to Allen Ray McGrew’s death, the Californian, who was dressed as Uncle Sam, spoke lovingly to his son Hunter and wife Paige.On Thursday (4 July), Dorchester County Sheriff’s department was called to an address in Cottonwood Drive, Summerville in South California, after the 41-year-old set a firework off on his top hat at 10.30pm.

His wife told told The Post and Courier that she thought he was ‘just showboating before he set it on the ground’ but then realized ‘he had already lit it’ and despite her and others’ warnings, the firework erupted.

The dad immediately collapsed before he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.10pm, Dorchester County Sheriff’s department confir

Footage shows moments leading up to fatal YouTube stuntCoroners concluded that he died as a result of ‘massive head injuries’, which would’ve killed him immediately.Both his son and wife have spoke to the press to discuss the incident.His 20-year-old son told The New York Post: “We’re traumatized.”

Tragically, the family have had to defend McGrew from the negativity that has been thrown his way due to him setting a firework off on his head, as they explained he wasn’t a ‘drunken fool’.The 53-year-old told the Post: “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.“He loved this country and looked forward to celebrating every year.”Paige also explained that her husband embraced them both and shared what was to be one of their final moments together.She explained that he said: “You are my rock, and you are my heart.”Clarifying what he meant, Paige added: “Me being his rock and his son being his heart.”

She explained ‘everyone was drinking a little’ on the night of the party but ‘Allen was not a drinker’ and ‘didn’t drink regularly’.According to Paige, Allen had said the Fourth of July party would be the last time he drunk in a while and an opportunity not just to celebrate independence day, but also their son Hunter’s engagement and wedding day.

Dad dies after placing lit firework on his head during Fourth of July partyAllen McGrew’s wife has since opened up about the Fourth of July party and what led to her husband placing a lit firework on his headA man has passed away after placing a lit firework on his head during a Fourth of July party.On Thursday (4 July), Dorchester County Sheriff’s department was called to an address in Cottonwood Drive, Summerville in South California, after 41-year-old Allen Ray McGrew placed a lit firework on his head and it erupted.

Allen’s wife, Paige McGrew, told The Post and Courier her husband was wearing a stars and stripes Uncle Sam outfit and ‘holding this firework over his top hat’ at around 10.30pm.She thought he was ‘just showboating before he set it on the ground’ but then realized ‘he had already lit it’ and despite her and others’ warnings, the firework erupted.McGrew then collapsed, according to Dorchester County Sheriff’s department, before he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.10pm.His cause of death is reported by coroners as resulting from ‘massive head injuries’ which would’ve killed him immediately.

The incident took place on Cottonwood Drive in Summersville (KTLA 5)

She explained ‘everyone was drinking a little’ on the night of the party but ‘Alan was not a drinker’ and ‘didn’t drink regularly’.

According to Paige, Allen had said the Fourth of July party would be the last time he drunk in a while and an opportunity not just to celebrate independence day, but also their son Hunter’s engagement and wedding day.

Paige reflected: “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.”

Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit has warned members of the public from using fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations.

Public information officer for Cal Fire’s Santa Clara Unit, Chelsea Burkett, warned residents not to set off fireworks themselves because of the danger they pose – such as starting fires.She told NBC Bay Area: “It happens every year. We see it often and we strongly encourage residents to let the professionals do the show.”While the fireworks used by Allen were legal, there have also been warnings surrounding illegal fireworks.Medical director of the Regional Burn Center at Valley Medical Center, Dr Cliff Sheckter, warned: “These are mortars, small pieces of dynamite. These can and will blow off your fingers and your hands. We see every year.”Unfortunately, these types of injuries are not reparable in most circumstances and that obviously is life-altering.”

Wife of man who died after placing lit firework on his head recalls what happened in the moments beforeAllen Ray McGrew tragically lost his life on Independence DayThe wife of a man who died after placing a lit firework on top of his head says she thought her husband was ‘showboating’ before realising he’d made a deadly mistake.Allen Ray McGrew, 41, was celebrating 4 July with his family, and was also toasting his son Hunter’s engagement.Allen’s wife, Paige McGrew, told The Post and Courier: “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 added that Allen ‘didn’t drink regularly’, and the party was to be his last blow-out before staying off the booze for a while.

Around 10.30pm, Paige noticed her husband – who was wearing a stars and stripes Uncle Sam outfit for the occasion – was ‘holding this firework over his top hat’.She thought her husband was ‘just showboating before he set it on the ground’ but then realized ‘he had already lit it’ and despite her warnings, the firework erupted.Following that, Allen then collapsed, according to Dorchester County Sheriff’s department, before he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11.10pm.

The couple had been visiting the beach together when a storm suddenly overcame them. (Oliverie Funeral Home)Ruth revealed that they had been at the car when Patrick said he would run back to tell the children to leave as the storm was coming.She said: “It looked like they were already packing it in and putting their backpacks on their backs.“Patrick clicked on the truck remote and said, ‘OK, get in the car, get in the truck, and I’ll be right back. I’m just going to tell those kids to skedaddle’.”Despite her telling him not to go, he was worried about the children and said he would be ‘one minute — just one minute.’But when she texted and called him on his phone from the car he didn’t respond, and eventually she went looking for him.Ruth found someone looking for help, and to her horror saw Patrick lying on the ground.Despite efforts from bystanders and paramedics to save him, Patrick sadly died after being struck by lightning.

One of the children who he had gone to warn later reached out to Ruth, and revealed the last thing he had said to them.Ruth said: “One of the kids actually reached out to me (Thursday). She said ‘I heard about what happened. I heard about Patrick, and I’m so sorry’.”The child revealed that the last thing Patrick had said after warning them off was to tell them: “Stay safe.”Ruth said: “Patrick is a valiant hero. He is well-loved and well known in the community for being selfless and always helping out for anything and everything … and he paid the ultimate price, unfortunately.”A memorial for Patrick is scheduled to be held on Sunday.

of rescue efforts. His cause of death resolved as being a result of a cardiac arrest.