Consumer fireworks rarely lead to death in the United States, but they have twice in Iowa over the last two Independence Day celebrations — including an Eastern Iowa father who was struck in the head by one July 3, according to authorities.
That afternoon, James Don McMichael, 53, of Atalissa, was declared dead after the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the Atalissa Fire Department and West Liberty Ambulance arrived at his home.
“The probable cause of death being firework striking him in the head,” a news release from the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office reported. “The incident is being ruled an accident.” Authorities did not release more details of how the accident happened.
McMichael was a 1984 graduate of West Liberty High School and farmed all his life, according to his obituary. He leaves a wife, Joan; two sons; two brothers; and his parents. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty is handling the arrangements.