Son breaks silence after father’s firework tragedy.
Independence Day turned into a nightmare for one family after a tragic accident.
Excitement turns to tragedy.
Allen Ray McGrew, 41, was full of excitement and ready to celebrate the Fourth of July.
According to his wife, Paige McGrew, Allen had a deep love for the holiday.
Patriot’s love for celebration.
“Allen loved this holiday. He was a patriot,” Paige shared.
“He was proud of his son and thrilled about his new daughter-in-law.”
Last hurrah before sobriety.
Paige added that Allen didn’t drink regularly and was planning to stay off the booze.
The celebration was supposed to be Allen’s last hurrah before a break from alcohol.
Special family celebration.
This Fourth of July had an extra special buzz with Hunter, Allen’s son, recently engaged.
Allen was eagerly looking forward to welcoming his daughter-in-law into the family.
Celebration turns to horror.
But the festivities took a devastating turn on Cottonwood Drive, Summerville, SC.
At 10:30 PM, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department responded to a dire call.
Allen had placed a lit firework on his head while dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit.
Paige thought Allen was merely showing off before he would plant the firework.
In a horrifying twist, Allen had already ignited the explosive.
The firework erupted on Allen’s head, causing him to collapse immediately.
Pronounced dead at scene.
The explosion led to Allen’s tragic death, pronounced at the scene at 11:10 PM.
The accident has left the McGrew family grappling with shock and grief.
Paige Recalls final moments revealed.
Paige recounted Allen’s final moments and his heartfelt words to his family.
“Just before it happened, he hugged me and Hunter and said, ‘You are my rock, and you are my heart.'”
“Me being his rock and his son being his heart,” Paige reflected emotionally.
The McGrew family has been quick to counter false narratives about Allen.
“He was a genuine, good person,” Paige emphasized.
Son’s traumatic experience revealed.
Allen’s son, Hunter, opened up about the family’s traumatic experience.
“We’re traumatized,” Hunter told the New York Post.
Pre-accident dance video.
Videos of Allen dancing in his costume hours before the incident have surfaced.
These videos have sparked harsh criticism and insensitive comments online.
Online trolls have labeled Allen as a ‘drunken fool,’ drawing ire from the family.
Family defends Allen’s character.
Hunter condemned these portrayals, defending his father’s character.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” Hunter insisted.
Remembering Allen Ray McGrew.
Allen’s vibrant personality and love for life are the family’s cherished memories.
The tragic mishap has sparked discussions about fireworks safety and awareness.
Allen Ray McGrew will be remembered as a loving father, husband, and patriot.
The family requests privacy as they navigate through this heartbreaking period.