13-Year-Old Dies in Firework Accident

The teen was reportedly attempting to aim the firework away from himself, but it still struck him in the chest.

NAYTAHWAUSH, MN (KVRR) – A 13-year-old boy has died after a firework accident in Mahnomen County.

The Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office says that they responded to a distress call at a residence in Naytahwaush a little after 11:00 P.M. on July 4.

According to witness statements, Michael Turner was holding a large firework in his hands and pointing it away from himself while it was lit. When the firework went off, it shot through the bottom of the tube and hit Turner in the chest.

When they arrived, law enforcement noted that Turner was not breathing and had no pulse. They attempted lifesaving measures, as did paramedics when they arrived, but Turner died at 12:07 A.M.

Turner’s family has been notified of his passing.

This incident remains under investigation pending an autopsy.