Man dressed as Uncle Sam died after lighting firework off hat while smoking cigarette in July 4 horror

A man dressed as Uncle Sam died after lighting a firework off his costume hat while smoking a cigarette in a July 4 horror tragedy.

Allen Ray McGrew, 41, from South Carolina , was seen dancing in his star-spangled suit on his favorite holiday as members of the neighborhood gathered for a street party in Summerville, Dorchester County. Carelessly enjoying the festivities, Allen was seeing dancing a jig just minutes before tragedy struck.

His wife Paige told how her husband had placed the large firework on top of his head to "show off" after drinking for several hours during the day, reports the Post and Courier. Paige told the publication: "He was holding this firework over his top hat I thought he was just showboating before he set it on the ground. I didn’t realize he had already lit it."

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Paige described how she urged her husband to stop before it suddenly erupted and he fell to the floor. Coroner Paul Brouthers said the exploding device caused massive head injuries that would have killed McGrew instantly. He was officially pronounced dead at the scene at 11:10 p.m.

The grieving widow said her husband died doing what he loved, adding how July 4 was his favorite holiday. Paige said: "Allen loved this holiday," she said. "He was a patriot; he was proud of his son and he was excited to have a new daughter-in-law. He was living his best life last night."

Allen had bought the Uncle Sam outfit brand new for the 2024 holiday. Neighbors who also spoke to the Post and Courier described him as kind neighbor who would help out with mowing lawns. One added: "He was the nicest guy. He was the kind of guy you want for a neighbor."

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In another July 4 horror, an alleged drink-driver accused of crashing into a Manhattan park in NYV was reportedly refused entry into a bar moments before the deadly smash.

A Ford F-150 was seen racing down a street "at a high rate of speed" just before 9pm Thursday. The vehicle went through an intersection, ignoring a stop sign, veered onto the sidewalk, and crashed into Corlears Hook Park on Manhattan's Lower East Side, stated New York Police Department Chief Jeffrey Maddrey at a press conference. Tragically three people died and nine were injured in the crash .

Authorities identified the driver as Daniel Hyden, reports NBC New York - a 44-year-old New Jersey man who had allegedly gotten caught up in a fight prior to the crash at Pier 36. The suspect had allegedly been refused entry at a venue for being drunk - however he allegedly protested this saying he had already bought a ticket.

Authorities claim the suspect then got into his car and drove away - crashing into Corlears Hook Park around 50 minutes after being turned away from the venue.

The first fire department team to reach the scene found the pickup truck atop four of the victims. Firefighters swiftly worked to free them before emergency medical personnel began treatment, New York City Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Meyers said.

Among the injured were four people in critical condition, three seriously hurt, and two with minor injuries. At least three people have died from their injuries, law enforcement officials say. Two are believed to have died at the scene while another succumbed to their injuries in hospital.