Bloomington Man Dies in Fireworks Accident July 5

Tyler Pinkley, a 23-year-old man from Bloomington, Indiana, died in a fireworks-related accident on the night of July 5 while attempting to light a large mortar firework held above his head. Despite warnings and efforts from friends to stop him, Pinkley dismissed their concerns, claiming he had performed the stunt before. The explosion caused traumatic injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence, concluding that the accident was unintentional. The incident highlights the dangers of handling fireworks improperly, as advised by the National Safety Council, which recommends maintaining a safe distance and never holding lit fireworks. This tragedy occurred near Stinesville on West Tabor Hill Road in western Monroe County.