Heartbreaking Final Words Of Dad Who Died After Placing Lit Firework On His Head

Allen Ray McGrew, a Californian who tragically lost his life after placing a lit firework on his head during Independence Day celebrations, left his family heartbroken with his final words. 

Dressed in an Uncle Sam costume for the festivities, McGrew shared affectionate words with his son Hunter and his wife Paige just moments before his untimely death. 

These last expressions of love have deeply saddened his family, leaving them to grapple with the sudden and tragic loss.

On Thursday, the 4th of July, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Department was called to a residence on Cottonwood Drive in Summerville, South Carolina. 

At 10:30 p.m., the 41-year-old had set off a firework on top of his hat, leading to the tragic event.

Paige, his wife, recounted to The Post and Courier that she initially believed he was ‘just showboating before he set it on the ground’.

Allen McGrew was 'living his best life' before his tragic death. Paige McGrew

However, she quickly realized, to her horror, that ‘he had already lit it’.

Despite her desperate warnings and those of others around, the firework ignited.

Allen collapsed immediately, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10 p.m., as confirmed by the Dorchester County Sheriff's Department.

Coroners determined that he had died from ‘massive head injuries’, which were fatal on impact.

Both his son and his wife have spoken to the press about the heartbreaking incident.

Allen McGrew passed away at the age of 41. Facebook/ Allen McGrew

His 20-year-old son shared with The New York Post, “We’re traumatized.”

The family has had to endure additional pain by defending McGrew from the negativity surrounding the circumstances of his death.

They emphasized that he was not a ‘drunken fool’.

Instead, his son described him, saying, "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 recounted a tender moment they shared shortly before the accident.

She revealed that her husband had embraced them both and uttered what would become one of their final moments together.

The dad died in a tragic accident. Kate McGrew

She said he told them, "You are my rock, and you are my heart." 

Paige elaborated, saying, "Me being his rock and his son being his heart."

She further explained that ‘everyone was drinking a little’ during the party but made it clear that ‘Allen was not a drinker’ and ‘didn't drink regularly’.

According to Paige, Allen had mentioned that the Fourth of July party would be the last time he drank for a while.

It was meant to be a celebration of Independence Day and a joyous occasion to honor their son Hunter's engagement and upcoming wedding day.