KOSSUTH COUNTY, IA — A festive evening turned tragic in the small town of Whittemore, Iowa, after a local man was killed in a fireworks accident Tuesday night. Authorities have identified the victim as 33-year-old Patrick Prentice, a resident of Kossuth County.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they received an emergency call shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, regarding a “fireworks accident” at a private residence in Whittemore, located in northern Iowa.

Upon arrival, first responders found Prentice unconscious and seriously injured at the scene. According to initial reports, Prentice was using a launcher tube to ignite fireworks when the device malfunctioned, causing catastrophic injuries. Despite life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead at a hospital in Algona.

A Celebration That Turned Fatal

The accident occurred just days before Independence Day, during a time when fireworks-related injuries typically see a sharp increase across the country. Witnesses say Prentice was setting off fireworks in a celebratory setting when the incident occurred. While specific details regarding the malfunction are still under investigation, early findings suggest the explosive ignited prematurely or backfired while he was holding the tube.

The case has now been referred to the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the precise cause of death.

Emergency Response

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, underscoring the seriousness of the incident. These included:

• Whittemore EMS
• Kossuth County EMS
• Air Med 3 (an emergency air transport service)
• Kossuth County Medical Examiner’s Office
• Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office

Despite their rapid response, the injuries Prentice sustained were too severe.

The Dangers of Fireworks Use

Prentice’s tragic death adds to the growing number of fireworks-related incidents that occur each year around the Fourth of July. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of injuries are reported annually due to improper or unsafe handling of fireworks. Hands, faces, and eyes are especially vulnerable during these types of accidents, and even experienced users can fall victim to sudden malfunctions.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of following safety guidelines, such as:

• Never holding fireworks in your hand when igniting them.
• Using a stable launch pad or tube placed on the ground.
• Wearing protective gear and keeping a safe distance.
• Avoiding alcohol or distractions while handling explosives.

Community in Mourning

Patrick Prentice’s death has left a noticeable void in the Whittemore community, a close-knit town where such tragedies are rare. Friends and neighbors described him as a kind, hardworking individual who enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July with his loved ones.

Local officials expressed their condolences to the family and urged the public to exercise extreme caution when using fireworks, especially with young children or inexperienced individuals nearby.

Next Steps

The investigation into the precise cause of the accident is ongoing. The State Medical Examiner is expected to release the results of the autopsy in the coming days, which may shed further light on the mechanical failure or other contributing factors.

No criminal charges are anticipated at this time, and officials have stated that the incident appears to be a tragic accident, not the result of negligence or foul play.

As Independence Day approaches, safety officials across Iowa and beyond are renewing calls for responsible fireworks usage, hoping to prevent further tragedies and honor those like Patrick Prentice whose lives were lost in moments meant for celebration.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.