A 22-year-old man from Calais, Maine died over Fourth of July weekend after he launched a firework from his head during the Independence Day celebrations.
According to the NY Daily News, the young New England man’s death was the result of a freak accident. The victim was identified in reports as Devon Staples, who, according to the NY Daily, was a happy person.
Devon’s death is the very first attributed to firework misuse since fireworks were legalized in the state of Maine back in 2012.
Devon attached a mortar to his head which, once lit, killed him instantly. Devon had been drinking during the incident and was setting off fireworks in the back yard of a friends home during their celebrations over the weekend of Independence Day. Devon’s brother, Cody Staples indicated that he was just a short ways away from Devon when the incident happened and immediately rushed to his aid.
According to the Washington Post, Maine repealed a 1949 law which banned the use of fireworks in the hope that it would increase local jobs while generating additional revenue. Other accidents correlated to fireworks during the weekend involve burns and injuries to the eyes, but no further fatalities.
Devon’s brother Cody explains that Devon was not the type of person to take his life lightly by messing around, highlighting that he “was not the kind of person to do something stupid.”
I was the first one who got there. There was no rushing him to the hospital. There was no Devon left when I got there. It was a freak accident (…) But Devon was not the kind of person who would do something stupid. He was the kind of person who would pretend to do something stupid to make people laugh. Anyone who would want to give a tribute to Devon should go out and do something nice for someone. Show some love to someone you don’t know. That kid was all about showing people love.
Tragically, Devon was recently engaged and worked as a dog walker who wanted to help people whose pets had problems. He also formerly worked at Disney World. Maine authorities are keen to remind locals that fireworks should not be treated as toys.
