15-Year-Old Dies in Fireworks Accident in Graham

GRAHAM, Wash. — A 15-year-old boy died early Saturday morning in a tragic fireworks incident on Feb. 17, reported the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived at the 21200 block of Orting Kapowsin Highway around 2:10 a.m. after receiving reports of a death.

A group of five teenage boys had been setting off mortar-type fireworks on the property of the New Testament Christian Church when the accident occurred. The sheriff’s office explained that one boy attempted to hold a mortar tube close to his body, igniting the firework and dropping it inside the tube before it exploded prematurely.

Fire crews confirmed the death of the teenager at the scene. Detectives and forensic teams were dispatched to investigate the incident, and the other boys remained at the location, cooperating with law enforcement officials.

Carly Cappetto, public information officer for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “This was a really hard one for all of our first responders. It’s tragic anytime we have to go to a juvenile death, especially an unnecessary death.”

The pastor of the church, Phillip Kinson, witnessed the aftermath. He reported hearing a loud explosion from his home, stating, “The explosion was very very loud. It echoed throughout this region.” Kinson rushed to the church upon receiving a call from a church member.

Investigators noted uncertainty regarding the source of the fireworks. “We don’t know where these mortars came from. We don’t know if they’re legal or illegal,” Cappetto added, highlighting that setting off fireworks is prohibited currently.

The church plans to hold a vigil to honor the victim on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Kinson shared that the boy’s family is devastated, saying, “This is an unfortunate situation. We lost a young man over something that was unnecessary and unneeded.”

There were no other reported injuries, but the incident serves as a grim reminder about the dangers associated with fireworks. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents to discuss these risks with their children.