An Arkansas grandmother says her family’s Fourth of July ‘will never be the same’ after her 13-year-old grandson died in a firework accident

As the rest of the country celebrated the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, Jacksyn Smith’s family was grieving in Arkansas after planned celebrations didn’t go according to plan. Smith, 13, was allegedly holding a firework that was supposed to be launched from the ground, and when it blew up in his hand, it caused injuries that unfortunately proved fatal.

According to WREG News, the firework exploded in his face a few minutes past midnight on July 4. Deputies with the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office said they received a call at 12:30 a.m. about a teen who had just had a firework explode in his hand.

He was airlifted to the hospital

Reportedly, when authorities arrived at 100 Church St. in Hughes, Smith was lying on the ground surrounded by concerned neighbors who were trying to help him after he suffered severe injuries to his head and hand. Shortly after realizing the level of medical care he needed, Smith was airlifted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Instead of placing the firework on the ground, it is believed Jacksyn held it above his head. At that point, the firework malfunctioned, shot out of the bottom of the tube, and exploded in his face. According to People, Jacksyn’s grandmother, Angela Perdew, said, “Our Fourth of July will never be the same … never.” His uncle, Wade McCollum, added, “It felt like a bad dream. To know Jacksyn was to love him. If you were around him you were laughing, smiling, doing everything.”

The family has since set up a GoFundMe fundraiser with a goal of $20,000. So far, they have raised a little more than $18,000. They partly wrote to well-wishers, “During this incredibly difficult time, we are asking for your support to help ease the financial burden of funeral and burial expenses. Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward honoring his memory and giving him the respectful farewell he deserves.”

Reportedly, in 2025 there were 13,000 people injured by fireworks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also released statistics showing there were approximately 1,300 emergency room visits involving sparklers throughout the year. The majority of those injured were 25 and younger.

Perdew urged parents and caregivers to be more vigilant when giving minors access to fireworks. “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.”

There are safer substitutes to fireworks

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center also suggested that some people simply skip fireworks altogether. In a post encouraging firework safety, it wrote, “There are safer substitutes for fireworks, such as party poppers or glow sticks. Some event organizers are moving toward hosting drone light shows at community events.” Ultimately, the Smith family is still grieving, and if there’s anything people can learn from their unfortunate experience, it’s to please take firework safety seriously.