Live free and die? Oh, wrong state.
A Calais man was killed Saturday night after placing a fireworks mortar tube atop his head and setting it off, according to Maine State Police. It was the first fireworks-related death in Maine since fireworks were legalized in 2012.
Police said the bizarre incident occurred at roughly 10 p.m. in a residential backyard on South Street. Devon Staples, 22, was setting off fireworks with some friends when he “placed the fireworks mortar tube on top of his head and set it off,” the investigation found.
Investigators said the explosion caused a fatal head injury, and Staples died instantly.
(Anderson)
This is why people stick with the simple act of offering condolences. Because, you know, what is anyone supposed to do with that sad tale?
And it is true there is certain dark and morbid humor; many of us appreciate at least the idea of the Darwin Awards, but in the end we are laughing at human tragedy. Or, rather, that we are laughing at some particular absurdity within that tragic context does not erase the fact of human tragedy.
To the one, for instance, we have a dead man, and it is a safe bet that someone, somewhere in the world, misses him.
To the other, we have this dude who tried to launch a mortar off his head and died. What the hell is anyone supposed to do with that?
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Anderson, J. Craig. “Calais man dies after setting off fireworks from atop his head”. Portland Press Herald. 5 July 2015.
This Is 