safety
‘He was actually holding it up’: 14-year-old dies after fireworks injury on 4th of July, family says
By KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 The Midland
The tragic death of 14-year-old Jacksyn Smith serves a stark warning to Midland families about the dangers of fireworks mishandling. As the community prepares for future celebrations, it's crucial for parents and guardians to emphasize proper supervision and safety precautions when handling fireworks. The fact that Jacksyn was holding a firework device that should have been on the ground highlights the importance of adhering to manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines. In Midland, where fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, it's essential for residents to prioritize responsible and safe usage to avoid similar tragedies. The Smith family's loss is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of fireworks accidents, and their story may encourage local authorities to review and reinforce fireworks safety regulations in the Permian Basin area.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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