South Carolina Man Dies After Firework Explodes on Top of Head

A South Carolina man was killed when a firework he placed on top of his head exploded during an apparent attempt to "show off" on Independence Day.

A South Carolina man is dead after a firework he ignited on top of his head on Independence Day in an apparent attempt to "show off" exploded, according to officials.

Allen Ray McGrew, 41, set a large "firework device" on top of his head and ignited it at 10:20 p.m. on Thursday on a subdivision's street, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office said, according to WSB-TV.

South Carolina Man Dies After Firework Explodes on Top of Head

"The device exploded while on top of his head causing massive head injuries," the sheriff’s office said.

McGrew was pronounced dead at the scene in Summerville, South Carolina.

South Carolina Man Dies After Firework Explodes on Top of Head

The man was "showing off" when he put a firework on his head, according to the incident report from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, FOX Television Stations reported.

McGrew's wife told deputies they were having a block party on July 4th and that her husband had been drinking for several hours before the accident happened, according to the report. She said she observed her husband put a firework on his head in what she believed was an attempt to "show off."

South Carolina Man Dies After Firework Explodes on Top of Head

Witnesses told investigators that McGrew had been drinking alcohol and setting off fireworks throughout the evening, according to the incident report.

One witness said he saw McGrew place the firework on his head and then heard a loud explosion, the report said.

Another witness said he saw McGrew collapse after the firework exploded, the report said.

McGrew's wife told The Post and Courier that Independence Day was her husband's favorite holiday.

The Dorchester County Coroner's Office is investigating the incident.