19-year-old killed instantly by fireworks mortar on July 4, Alaska troopers say
A 19-year-old man died after igniting a fireworks mortar in Alaska when it struck him, state troopers reported.
Benjamin Jorgensen, of Green River, Wyoming, died instantly in the blast in Gustavus on the Fourth of July, Alaska State Troopers said in a news release.
Troopers were notified later that night and responded Tuesday, July 5, the release said.
Jorgensen’s body will be taken to Anchorage for an autopsy, troopers said.
Gustavus, population 655, is a community west of Juneau.
This story was originally published July 6, 2022 at 2:38 PM with the headline "19-year-old killed instantly by fireworks mortar on July 4, Alaska troopers say."