Alaska News

19-year-old killed by fireworks in Southeast Alaska

A 19-year-old from Wyoming died Monday in the Southeast Alaska town of Gustavus when he was struck by fireworks he lit, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Benjamin Jorgensen of Green River, Wyoming, was reported dead late Monday to the Gustavus Fire Department, troopers said Tuesday.

Jorgensen lit a commercially produced mortar-style projectile that struck him, killing him instantly, troopers spokesman Austin McDaniel said. Troopers were notified of the death at 11:36 p.m., and National Park Service rangers from Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve responded around 1 a.m. Tuesday. Troopers flew to the area the next morning.

Jorgensen was working in Pelican and Gustavus, according to McDaniel.

Law enforcement in Wyoming notified Jorgensen’s family, troopers said. His body was transported to Anchorage for an autopsy by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

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