The family of a "showboating" man who died after putting fireworks on his head has spoken out.
Authorities confirmed that Allen Ray McGrew from South Carolina was killed instantly last Thursday after placing a firework on his head moments before it exploded.
As per a video taken just hours before tragedy struck, the father was seen donning a classic Uncle Sam costume with red and white-striped dungarees and an American t-shirt underneath in homage to the Fourth of July celebrations last week.
On his head was a matching hat and he finished the look with a white beard strapped across his face while he set up a firework display for his family, as well as the neighbors in the area.
However, what was supposed to be a happy night filled with celebrations ended most tragically after Allen strangely decided to put a lit firework on top of his head at approximately 10:30PM.
Within seconds, the fireball exploded and the 41-year-old was killed right in front of a crowd of spectators, including his family.
The police were called to the scene at Cottonwood Drive though they could not save him.
Speaking of the harrowing incident, his wife, Paige Morris McGrew told The Post and Courier that her husband was "showing off" after having a few drinks earlier in the night.
"He was holding this firework over his top hat,” Paige said. "I thought he was just showboating before he set it on the ground. I didn’t realize he had already lit it."
While the family is devastated at the loss of their loved one, they look back on his antics fondly and always remember him by his boundless joy.
“Allen loved this holiday," Paige added. "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."
As per the outlet, Coroner Paul Brouthers said the exploding device caused massive head injuries that would have killed McGrew immediately.
He was officially pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10PM.
Allen's son, 20-year-old Hunter McGrew, told The New York Post that the family is "traumatized," after witnessing such a horrific ordeal, adding that any portrayal of his dad as a "drunken fool" is a lie.
Paige also revealed to the outlet that her husband had delivered a kind message to her just before his death - a message that she will remember for the rest of her life.
"Just before the incident happened, he hugged me and his son and said, ‘You are my rock, and you are my heart,'" she recalled to the outlet. "Me being his rock and his son being his heart."
The couple married just last year after being together since at least 2017 and exchanged vows in 2023.
Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
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