Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

‘Showboating’ South Carolina Dad Reportedly Died From Putting Lit Firework On His Head

Author Cort Freeman and Dave & Chuck the Freak
A South Carolina dad reportedly passed away after putting a lit firework on his head (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

A “showboating” South Carolina dad reportedly died after putting a lit firework on his head! This is what people reportedly warn you against doing, and now you see why!

It seems like every year we hear a story similar to this after the 4th of July. Despite repeated warnings about fireworks safety, someone always goes too far and ruins the party for everyone. Unfortunately, this guy reportedly lost his life after not using common sense around fireworks. Here’s more on the tragic story that could have easily been prevented.

South Carolina Dad Died After Putting Lit Firework On His Head

According to The New York Post, Allen Ray McGrew, 41, passed away after a firework he placed on his head exploded. Now, his family has been left traumatized by his death and video is circulating the internet showing him dancing in Uncle Sam attire shortly before the fatal accident. The incident happened in Summerville, South Carolina which is roughly a 35 minute drive north of Charleston.

In this trending video, he’s seen wearing a Red, White, and Blue jumpsuit and a big Uncle Sam hat. He’s sporting a fake beard and has a cigarette in his mouth. He’s doing a little kick dance while busting out some finger guns. Unfortunately, hours later he would be dead.

The tragic scene reportedly played out in front of his family after he put the firework on top of his head. His wife, Paige Morris McGrew, told The New York Post, “I thought he was just showboating before he set it on the ground. I didn’t realize he had already lit it.” When the firework exploded, The New York Post reports that it caused head injures that likely killed him immediately. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Not only was the family celebrating Independence Day, they were also together celebrating McGrew’s son’s recent engagement. Paige Morris McGrew tells The New York Post that the South Carolina dad had gone all out to commemorate welcoming a daughter-in-law to the family. Paige tells The New York Post, “He loved this country and looked forward to celebrating every year. Just before the incident happened, he hugged me and his son and said ‘You are my rock, and you are my heart.”

Our thoughts go out to the McGrew family. Use this as a reminder to always practice fireworks safety and use common sense around fireworks. See video on the “showboating” South Carolina dad below.

Cort Freeman was born and raised in Metro Detroit. He was named Clarkston High School 2009 Class Clown 13 years after graduating. Totally normal thing to happen. That’s thanks to his time spent as an Intern at Comedy Central and Social Media Correspondent for The Colbert Report. Cort has done comedy across the country, both standing up and sitting down. When he’s not trying to make you laugh on-air and online, he’s probably at home enjoying his favorite shows like Seinfeld, South Park, and The Office. He’s also totally uncomfortable writing about himself in the third person. Cort enjoys writing about comedy, food, sports, and entertainment. So, basically anything and everything.

5 Fantastic Songs To Play While Watching Fireworks

What are your favorite songs to play while watching fireworks? It’s important to have a great playlist to set the mood while you’re enjoying the show!

The 4th Of July is coming up and it’s almost time to get out the fireworks to put on a dazzling show. Whether you light off your own display or attend a public gathering, you’re going to need a dependable playlist for the night. However, not every song is a good song for fireworks. Check out our list below!

What Are The Best Songs To Play While Watching Fireworks?

Everyone will have their own unique list of songs to play while watching fireworks, and to each their own. However, some songs are just better during fireworks. It’s the same where some songs sound better in the winter or when you’re sad. The same thing goes! There are many songs out there that are perfect for the 4th of July or anytime you feel like putting on a fireworks show.

Recently, we put together a playlist for the eclipse and I think this is sort of the same thing. It’s a unique experience and there are songs out that written and produced for this moment! Some songs literally have “fireworks” in the title, and sometimes that can be enough to make them good choices for a fireworks display. Other songs are patriotic and great for Independence Day.

It’s important to get a good variety on your playlist. You don’t want every song on the playlist to be titled “Fireworks.” Likewise, you don’t want a full playlist of super patriot songs. You need a good mixture! A rock song into something classic followed by something more pop is a good way to keep some diversity on your playlist and make sure you’re entertaining the entire crowd. People will have different tastes in genres and moods and you’ll want to make sure everyone is having a good time. Are there going to be kids in attendance? That will play a part, too!

Picking only 5 songs to play while watching fireworks was no easy task. There are so many out there that fit the bill! So, some quality songs you’re expecting to be on the list might have ended up on the cutting room floor. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good songs for the 4th of July, though! For example, Katy Perry’s “Firework” is probably a song you’d expect to find on the list. You won’t though. I’m not putting Katy Perry on any playlist, thank you very much.

What songs did we miss? Which ones would you add to your playlist? Check out 5 fantastic songs to play while watching fireworks below!

The Best Songs To Play While Watching Fireworks

  • "TNT" - AC/DC

    You can’t go wrong with AC/DC during fireworks. “Thunderstruck” would be another solid choice, but I think the most fitting has to be “TNT.” Why? Well, for obvious reasons. Fireworks are explosions and TNT is also an explosive. The two go hand-in-hand. This is a great pick for when the fireworks are just getting started. It will get everyone ready and pumped up for what they are about to witness.

  • "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)" - Fall Out Boy

    This Fall Out Boy hit is a must-add for your fireworks playlist. However, I don’t recommend you play a drinking game for every time they sing “Light Em Up.” Your night will quickly go downhill and you won’t remember the beautiful fireworks display and experience. This is a great pick for watching fireworks. They mention “light em up” 100 times and “fire” is also repeatedly mentioned. It’s a can’t miss for any 4th of July playlist.

  • "Star Wars (Main Theme)" - John Williams

    You’ve got to mix it up! Playing the Star Wars Main Theme is a great pick for while you’re watching fireworks. It’s different and unexpected but at the same time everyone will know it, recognize it, and appreciate it. It will make you feel like you’re in Star Wars! You can pretend the fireworks are the Death Star exploding or lasers during a fight. Let your imagination run wild! This would be a great song to hear during fireworks. You have to make it happen!

  • "Fireworks" - The Tragically Hip

    Around here we proudly support Canada and our neighbors to the north. That’s why we have to show respect to The Tragically Hip. They’re one of the most iconic Canadian bands and we will tolerate no disrespect. We recently shared a story about a the band releasing what’s been described as the ‘Holy Grail Of Unreleased Tracks‘. However, my favorite song of theirs is still “Fireworks” and there’s no better time to play it than the 4th of July. Add it to your playlist, you’ll understand.

  • "God Bless The USA" - Lee Greenwood

    There were many different directions we could have gone with this 5th and final pick. I thought about “Fireworks” by Animal Collective. That’s always one on my list, but I don’t think it would be appreciated or enjoyed on majority of people’s playlists. I mulled some pop songs but couldn’t pick one. Instead, let’s go with something patriotic! It’s the 4th of July and the best time to pay respect to the beloved Red, White, and Blue. I thought this song would be the best during a fireworks display. It’s soft but impactful and everyone can sing along.

Author Cort Freeman and Dave & Chuck the Freak
Category:
Tags:
,,

More Dave and Chuck the Freak

Load More