Jonesboro, Arkansas — A Fourth of July celebration turned into heartbreak for an Arkansas family after a 13-year-old boy died from injuries suffered in a fireworks accident, prompting loved ones to remind others about the importance of handling fireworks safely.
According to family members, Jacksyn Smith was critically injured after allegedly holding a firework that was intended to be launched from the ground. The incident occurred during Independence Day celebrations and quickly became a medical emergency.
He was airlifted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment but was later pronounced dead.
Family Says Tragedy Happened in an Instant
Relatives told local media that the firework involved in the accident was not meant to be held by hand. Instead, it was designed to remain on the ground before being ignited.
Following the explosion, emergency responders rushed Smith to a hospital by air ambulance in hopes of saving his life. Despite those efforts, he did not survive.
His family described the sudden loss as devastating and said they are still struggling to process what happened.
Loved Ones Remember Teen’s Bright Personality
Family members shared emotional memories of Jacksyn, describing him as someone who brought joy and laughter to those around him.
His uncle, Wade McCollum, reflected on the painful loss.
“It felt like a bad dream,” Smith’s uncle, Wade McCollum, said. “To know Jacksyn was to love him, if you were around him you were laughing, smiling, doing everything.”
A GoFundMe campaign was created to help the family cover funeral expenses and provide financial support during this difficult time.
The fundraiser says:
“No parent should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a child, especially so suddenly.”
By the time the fundraiser was reported, it had raised more than $18,000 toward its $20,000 goal.
Grandmother Shares Important Fireworks Safety Message
As the family mourns, Jacksyn’s grandmother hopes others will learn from the tragedy. She said the holiday will never feel the same again following the heartbreaking accident.
“Our Fourth of July will never be the same … never,” Angela Perdew said.
Her comments serve as a reminder that fireworks, while often associated with celebration, can become extremely dangerous if they are not used exactly as intended.
Fireworks Injuries Remain a Serious Safety Concern
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks continue to cause thousands of injuries across the United States each year.
The agency estimates that approximately 13,000 people were injured by fireworks last year, with about 1,300 emergency room-treated injuries in 2025 involving sparklers alone.
Officials also note that people between the ages of 15 and 24 account for the largest share of fireworks-related injuries, underscoring the importance of close supervision and following all manufacturer safety instructions during holiday celebrations.
As communities continue marking Independence Day, safety experts encourage families to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals whenever possible and to never hold or modify fireworks that are designed to remain on the ground.
What are your thoughts on this tragic incident? Do you think stronger fireworks safety education could help prevent similar accidents? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
