Florence Man Killed in Fireworks Accident

The incident took place at a home on Melinda Lane.

Shutterstock photo. 

(Florence, Ky.) – Boone County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a fatal fireworks accident on the Fourth of July.

The incident took place around 10:26 p.m. at a home on Melinda Lane.

Deputies say Brian Simpson, 48, of Florence, was attempting to light a commercial grade firework by means of a homemade mortar tube at the time of the accident.

The firework was designed for electronic detonation as they are instant ignition, however, Simpson had cut the wick in half. As the firework was lit it immediately exploded causing the fatal injuries.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation and was assisted at the scene by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Florence Fire Department Investigation Team, and the Boone County Coroner’s Office.

More from Local News

Events

Hillforest Awarded $1,000 DCF Proactive Grant

DCF will award 15 proactive grants this holiday season.

Shop Small in Downtown Aurora This Saturday

Free SWAG bags to the first 50 shoppers.

Help Plan Batesville’s America 250 Event

A kickoff meeting is scheduled for December 1.

South Ripley Announces Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026

The class will feature six inductees.

Local Sports Report - November 25, 2025

The boys high school basketball season tipped off on Tuesday.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Thomas Rhett - Ain't A Bad Life

Garth Brooks Shameless 5:26
Old Dominion Coming Home 5:24
George Strait I Gotta Get To You 5:21
Mark Chesnutt Almost Goodbye 5:16