The family of the man who was filmed dancing before placing a lit firework on his head have shared his heartbreaking final words.
According to his family, Allen Ray McGrew, 41, rarely drank. However, a circulating video continues to depict the final moments of his life in a distressing manner.
In the video, he is seen smoking a cigarette and dancing to celebrate the Fourth of July, dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit and top hat, while visibly inebriated.
The father of one placed a large firework on top of his hat, which exploded, causing fatal head injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene, outside the family’s home in South Carolina.
His wife, Paige McGrew, recently shared with The New York Post that just before the incident, he hugged her and their son, saying, “You are my rock, and you are my heart.”
“We’re traumatized,” added his 20-year-old son, Hunter McGrew, two days after the widely seen incident.
“He loved this country and looked forward to celebrating every year,” continued his stepmom, Paige.
Both of them mentioned that their father had been celebrating in a grand manner because Hunter had recently gotten engaged.
She mentioned that he and Paige recently tied the knot, marrying last year after dating since 2017.
Photos on her social media depict the couple wearing matching ‘Mr.’ and ‘Mrs.’ shirts, while his photos showcase moments with Hunter throughout the years.
The couple seemed very close, and neighbors in the town of Summerville recalled McGrew as ‘the nicest guy’ on the block.
There, on Thursday, a block party was held in honor of the holiday, where the McGrews and other residents enjoyed fireworks and drinks together.
The occasion was particularly special due to Hunter’s recent engagement, and Allen seemed determined to celebrate his soon-to-be daughter-in-law’s entry into the family with a memorable display.
“Decked out in patriotic attire, including a top hat embellished with stars and stripes, he placed the firework on his head while dancing a bit to ‘show off,’ Paige said after the incident on Thursday.”
