Site Logo

Troopers investigate fireworks-related death in Gustavus

Published 10:30 pm Monday, July 4, 2022

By Michael S. Lockett

Alaska State Troopers are helping to investigate a fatal fireworks-related accident that occurred in Gustavus early on July 5, 2022. (Juneau Empire File)
1/2

Alaska State Troopers are helping to investigate a fatal fireworks-related accident that occurred in Gustavus early on July 5, 2022. (Juneau Empire File)

Alaska State Troopers are helping to investigate a fatal fireworks-related accident that occurred in Gustavus early on July 5, 2022. (Juneau Empire File)
Alaska State Troopers are helping to investigate a fatal fireworks-related accident that occurred in Gustavus early on July 5, 2022. (Juneau Empire File)

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.

A 19-year-old Wyoming man died after being struck by a mortar-style firework Monday evening in Gustavus, according to Alaska State Troopers.

At 11:36 p.m. July 4, troopers received a report from Gustavus Fire Department that a man, later identified as Benjamin Jorgensen of Green River, Wyoming, had died from a fireworks explosion, according to troopers.

National Park Service Law Enforcement rangers from Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve responded to the scene, confirmed the death and secured the scene pending troopers’ arrival, according to Alaska State Troopers, who responded in Department of Public Safety aircraft Tuesday morning.

Wyoming law enforcement notified Jorgensen’s next of kin, according to troopers. The body will be transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for an autopsy.

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

You Might Like