safety
‘He was actually holding it up’: 14-year-old dies after fireworks injury on 4th of July, family says
By KGNS — Sitewide
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
HUGHES, Ark. (WMC/Gray News) - A 14-year-old boy died after suffering a fireworks injury on July 4, according to his family.Jacksyn Smith was injured on July 4 while mishandling fireworks. He was flown to a children’s hospital, where he later died.Jacksyn’s grandmother, Angela Perdew, said he was...
Key takeaway (WMC/Gray News) - A 14-year-old boy died after suffering a fireworks injury on July 4, according to his family.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The tragic death of a 14-year-old boy due to a fireworks injury on the 4th of July is a stark reminder of the dangers of fireworks mishandling. In Laredo , where community celebrations often feature fireworks displays, the incident serves as a warning to parents and guardians to exercise extreme caution when allowing children to handle or be near fireworks. The fact that the boy was holding a firework device that should have been on the ground highlights the importance of proper supervision and education on fireworks safety. As Laredo families prepare for future celebrations, they would do well to heed the warning of Jacksyn's grandmother, who emphasized the dangers of fireworks when not used as intended. The city's efforts to promote fireworks safety and responsible handling will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the Laredo community.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? HUGHES, Ark. (WMC/Gray News) - A 14-year-old boy died after suffering a fireworks injury on July 4, according to his family.Jacksyn Smith was injured on July 4 while mishandling fireworks. He was flown to a children’s hospital, where he later died.Jacksyn’s grandmother, Angela Perdew, said he was...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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