The July 4th fireworks display in Lawrenceville was marred by tragedy following the death of a local man.
The Knox County (Indiana) Coroner's Office reports that 73-year-old Robert Johnson of St. Francisville died at around 11:20 p.m. EDT Friday, July 3rd at the Good Samaritan Hospital Trauma Center in Vincennes.
He was taken there for treatment of injuries sustained in a fireworks-related incident that occurred during the Lawrence County Stars and Stripes Celebration fireworks show at Lawrenceville High School. The display was cut short after the Johnson injury and the city of Vincennes announced the postponement of its Saturday, July 4th fireworks show due to Johnson's death.
An autopsy done Sunday indicated preliminary findings that Johnson died as a result of a traumatic brain injury most likely caused by an explosion while setting off commercial fireworks. Investigation into the death continues.
Johnson served with the Denison Fire Protection District for over 50 years and had previous experience with fireworks.
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