safety
‘He was actually holding it up’: 14-year-old dies after fireworks injury on 4th of July, family says
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
The tragic death of 14-year-old Jacksyn Smith in Arkansas serves as a stark warning to Nashville families about the dangers of fireworks mishandling. As Nashville residents prepare for future celebrations, they must prioritize proper supervision and safety precautions when using fireworks. The fact that Jacksyn was holding a firework device that should have been on the ground highlights the importance of following instructions and manufacturer guidelines. In Nashville, where community events and fireworks displays are common, it is crucial for parents and guardians to educate children about the risks associated with fireworks and ensure they are handled responsibly. The Smith family's devastating loss will undoubtedly resonate with local families, emphasizing the need for vigilance and caution when celebrating with fireworks. As the community comes together to support the Smith family through the GoFundMe campaign, Nashville residents must also come together to promote fireworks safety and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Nashville stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter