KOSSUTH COUNTY, IOWA — A 33-year-old man has died following a tragic fireworks-related incident in Whittemore on Tuesday night, just two days before the Fourth of July. The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim as Patrick Prentice, who suffered fatal injuries while attempting to light fireworks.
Deputies were called to the scene shortly after 9 p.m. on July 2, after receiving reports of a serious accident involving fireworks. When first responders arrived, they found Prentice unconscious and critically injured. According to the sheriff’s office, Prentice had been holding a launcher tube and igniting fireworks when the incident occurred.
Emergency crews, including Whittemore EMS, Kossuth County EMS, and Air Med 3, quickly responded and provided medical care at the scene. Prentice was then transported to a hospital in Algona, where he was later pronounced dead. The Kossuth County Medical Examiner’s Office was also called to the scene to assist in the investigation.
Officials say that the firework device may have malfunctioned while being ignited, but the exact cause of the explosion is still unknown. An autopsy is being conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny to determine the official cause of death. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have not ruled out additional contributing factors.
The sudden death of Patrick Prentice has sent shockwaves through the Whittemore community, especially as the area prepares for Fourth of July celebrations. Fireworks accidents are not uncommon during this time of year, but fatalities remain relatively rare. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in using consumer-grade fireworks.
Law enforcement officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks. They recommend using safety equipment, following manufacturer instructions, and avoiding homemade or modified devices. As the investigation continues, more details may be released by authorities in the coming days.
For now, the community is mourning the loss of a young man whose life was tragically cut short by what appears to be a preventable accident. Friends and family members are expected to gather in the coming days to remember Patrick Prentice and honor his memory during what was supposed to be a festive holiday week.