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A 13-Year-Old Killed in a Firework Accident on The Fourth of July

By Dave Bishop Jul 6, 2025 | 5:43 PM

The Fourth of July celebration turned tragic late Friday night.

According to the Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office, at 11:14 pm, officers responded to 310 New Circle Dr. in Naytahwaush for a report of a 13-year-old male being struck with a firework. 

When Officers arrived, they observed that the victim was not breathing and had no pulse. CPR was performed until medics arrived, and life-saving measures continued until the victim was pronounced dead just after midnight. 

The sheriff’s office says, according to witness statements, the 13-year-old was holding a large firework in his hands, pointing it away from himself, when it was lit. 

When the firework went off, it shot through the bottom of the tube and hit the child in the chest. The 13-year-old fell to the ground, clutching his chest. Bystanders ran to his aid and began chest compressions, according to the sheriff’s office. 

The incident remains under investigation pending an autopsy.

The family has been notified.