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.
