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Heartbreaking last words of man who died after firework exploded on his head during 4th of July party…See more
According to a police report obtained by WCBD, Paige yelled for her husband to stop, but the firework detonated before he could react. He collapsed immediately after suffering catastrophic head injuries, according to VT. Authorities said the injuries likely killed him instantly, and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10 p.m. The incident happened at around 10:30 p.m.
“He was a patriot”
Allen’s son, Hunter McGrew, who was 20 at the time, later told The New York Post: “We’re traumatized.”
The family also pushed back against online criticism following the accident, saying Allen should not be remembered as a “drunken fool.” They explained that while he rarely drank alcohol, he had been drinking that day to celebrate both Independence Day and his son’s recent engagement.
“He was a patriot, he was proud of his son and he was excited to have a new daughter-in-law, he was living his best life last night,” Paige said, per The Post.
“He loved this country and looked forward to celebrating every year.”
In a separate interview with The Post and Courier, Paige reflected on how much Allen loved the holiday. She said he fully embraced the celebration by dressing as Uncle Sam and even wearing a fake white beard.
She recalled him unexpectedly showing up at her office in the costume.
“I was on the phone with a client and I just lost it, I was 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,” she said.