Ark. teen dies after Fourth of July fireworks injury

HUGHES, Ark. (WMC) - A 14-year-old boy died after suffering a fireworks injury on the Fourth of July, his family said.

Jacksyn Smith was injured the night of July 4 while mishandling fireworks, according to his family. He was airlifted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, where he later died.

‘He was actually holding it up’

Smith’s grandmother, Angela Perdew, said the teen was not using the firework as intended.

“He was holding a firework device that should’ve been on the ground, but he was actually holding it up,” Perdew said.

Smith’s uncle, Wade McCollum, described the loss.

“It felt like a bad dream,” McCollum said. “To know Jacksyn was to love him, if you were around him you were laughing, smiling, doing everything.”

National fireworks injury data

Last year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 15 deaths and more than 14,000 fireworks-related injuries nationwide.

Perdew said she hopes Jacksyn’s story serves as a warning to other families.

“They should have supervision when they’re under the age of 18 at least,” Perdew said. “They’re dangerous; if they don’t know how to use them they’re dangerous.”

GoFundMe established for family

A GoFundMe has been set up for the Smith family, with a goal of raising $13,000 to help cover expenses.

Perdew said the holiday will carry a different meaning going forward.

“Our fourth of July will never be the same — never,” she said.

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