Horrific tragedy struck moments after this July 4 video when South Carolina dad, 41, decided to put lit firework on top of his top hat
A South Carolina father was seen dancing in his front yard dressed as Uncle Sam moments before he died after setting off a large firework over his head.
Allen Ray McGrew, 41, celebrated the Fourth of July at a block party in Summerville, Dorchester County, on Thursday night.
Footage captured by his wife Paige shows McGrew, dressed as Uncle Sam, dancing a jig in his full party attire as he celebrates the holiday.
Witnesses told detectives that McGrew placed a large firework on the top hat he was wearing and then set it off, causing the device to explode.
According to a police report viewed by WCBDMcGrew’s wife told officers she believed he placed the firework on his head to “show off” and that he was intoxicated at the time.
The HVAC worker was found dead in the street by officers who arrived on the scene after the party ended abruptly.
Dressed as Uncle Sam, footage captured by his wife Paige showed McGrew dancing a jig in his full festive attire as he celebrated the holiday
Witnesses told investigators that McGrew placed a large firework on the top hat he was wearing before setting it off, causing the device to explode.
According to the local coroner, the exploding device caused a severe head injury, killing McGrew instantly.
Speaking with the Post and courier serviceHis wife Paige said she told him to stop playing with the fireworks when they went off and he collapsed.
She told the outlet: “He was holding this firework above his top hat. I thought he was just showing it off before he put it on the ground. I didn’t realize he had already set it off.”
Paige added that her husband had worked hard, played hard and passed away on his favorite holiday.
“Allen loved this holiday,” she added. “He was a patriot, he was proud of his son, he was happy to have a new daughter-in-law. He lived his best life last night.”
Paige remembers how her late husband went all out for Independence Day, donning a brand new Uncle Sam costume and fake white beard for the occasion.
His wife recalls how he hilariously showed up at her office in full costume, saying, “I was on the phone with a client and I was going crazy, laughing so hard.
“I had to tell her what was going on. That was Allen. He was a genuine, good person and he loved life. He worked hard and he played hard.”
According to the local coroner’s office, the exploding device caused a severe head injury, killing McGrew instantly.
Paige, pictured here with Allen, added that her husband had worked hard, played hard and died on his favorite holiday.
The HVAC worker was found dead in the street by officers who rushed to the scene after the party ended abruptly
Thursday’s event was a celebration for McGrew and his son, with the couple celebrating his son’s engagement.
His wife said he planned to stop drinking for a while, adding: “Alan wasn’t a drinker. Everyone drank a little bit last night, but he wasn’t drinking regularly.”
Neighbors who spoke to the Post and Courier described him as a kind man who was always willing to lend a hand.
Someone told the newspaper that Wednesday was the first time he had mowed his own lawn, as McGrew normally did it himself.
Another neighbor added: “He was the nicest man. He was the kind of man you want to have as a neighbor.”
The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office and the Dorchester County Coroner’s Office are investigating the incident.