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Authorities say Rhode Island man killed by mortar-style firework, remembered as a listening ear and a caring shoulder
A Rhode Island man was killed by a firework, according to authorities.
39-year-old David Ziegenfuss of Westerly died after a mortar-style firework was placed on top of his head and set off on May 12th the Providence Journal says.
The death has been ruled as accidental due to a blast injury to the head.
The investigation into the incident continues, however, alcohol appears to be involved.
A GoFundMe page states that Ziegenfuss was life flighted from Westerly to Yale-New Haven where he passed. The fundraiser is for end-of-life expenses.
Ziegenfuss was described as an “adoring father to his son Logan, a fun uncle, a listening ear and a caring shoulder. He was very loved by his family and his friends.”
With the firework being illegal in Rhode Island, authorities suggest leaving the setting of them to the professionals.
Joey
July 4, 2024 at 6:23 am
Lighting a firework on top of your head? Stupid is what stupid does.
Marie Hayden
July 4, 2024 at 9:08 am
WOW! So unnecessary..
M.A.M.
July 4, 2024 at 9:25 am
Unnecessary but unfortunately true. What did they expect was going to happen?
Alex.
July 7, 2024 at 1:15 am
You shouldn’t call people stupid.
When something like that wasn’t accident and he has a child. You are just a messed up person for that what if this was you And somebody was saying that about you. Would you want your kid to see that? Think before you speak. Wow common sense runs low.
Steve
July 7, 2024 at 8:44 pm
He’s saying the person who put it on his head was stupid he was
Lissa
July 8, 2024 at 10:24 am
It most certainly does doesn’t it?!!!
Joe Biden
July 4, 2024 at 10:45 am
Natural drlection
Carmine
July 4, 2024 at 11:29 am
Another idiot bites the dust
Kirsten
July 6, 2024 at 6:02 pm
Wow a bit harsh for someone who just lost their life. He had a family.
Robert Sevigny
July 4, 2024 at 12:36 pm
I’m sure alcohol wasn’t involved. Such an unnecessary tragedy.
Karen
July 4, 2024 at 1:46 pm
Heartbreaking tragedy. A little boy has to grow up without his daddy because of damn stupidity.
Bill Bonez
July 4, 2024 at 3:59 pm
Unfortunate consequences of someone’s really stupid action. My sympathies to the child.
Shawn
July 4, 2024 at 7:44 pm
I’m at a loss for words. So, this was my brother an he was by far not a stupid person. He was a devoted father and loved by many many people. What the police are not telling you is there was 6 people at this party and all of them have a different story from what happened that night. I haven’t said anything about it since the day it happened, but honestly if you had a firework blow up on top of your head you would be burnt?? He was not burnt at all. He had bruises on his arms from what looked like a protecting his face motion. Next the doctors said that it wasn’t an accident bc of the motion his injuries accrued in. So, to you f****** people without any morals or respect for anyone. My brother was murdered, they just haven’t figured out what happened yet. But they will and when they do you should stfu.
Chris
July 4, 2024 at 8:52 pm
G
Kathy
July 5, 2024 at 9:55 am
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.. especially his little boy.😢
earl hebner
July 5, 2024 at 1:22 pm
Not stupid, but not well versed in Newton’s 3rd law.
Claudia Belanger
July 5, 2024 at 5:56 pm
What is wrong with people. This is a human being. He was loved, had family and friends. He was murdered. You should get the whole story. Come on people how could you say such mean hurtful things. They are being read by those same people that love him and they are grieving. Shame on everyone bashing. You people are so disgusting and you don’t know the story so you should STFU
Richard Rich
July 5, 2024 at 8:22 pm
Hope your family gets answers.
Thoughts and prayers to you all. Especially his little boy.
Melissa
July 6, 2024 at 2:36 am
So sorry for your loss. Praying for the truth. May he rest peacefully.
Diane
July 6, 2024 at 9:34 am
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Kirsten
July 6, 2024 at 6:04 pm
So sorry for your loss. These people posting crap are rude and have nothing better to do. My condolences to you and your family
Verna M Lisa
July 10, 2024 at 11:53 am
I’m so very sorry. I hope he and your family receive some justice. This is so profoundly sad.
Michelle Ryan
July 11, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Shawn I’m sorry about your brother I lost my sister 39 too I know how painful it is. But to compound this sadness by these morons calling your brother names and being completely disrespectful is appalling.. I hope it brings you peace that there are people out there that think that these words were horrible and they are with you. I would ask you not to read them. Again I’m so sorry
DogMom1113
July 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm
It’s so easy to jump to conclusions. Let’s just wait until the investigation is over. In the meantime, the takeaway is there is a little boy who has to grow up without his daddy. So sad in so many ways.
Ace Garcia
July 5, 2024 at 1:43 pm
Some people can’t think need to have some control in how they think instead your bring this man down and his family how sad 😭 not knowing the truth and the intent doesn’t always tell the truth or dare to tell the full story.. sorry 😞 for your family loss
Catherine Ringeisen
July 6, 2024 at 9:53 am
I’m sorry, but I’m so disgusted by the people who talk about him being stupid. Who knows what happened. Who hell has the right to be so minimizing to a human being? It’s absolutely tragic for everybody. honestly, more disgusted by the people who make the nasty comments and people like that, scare me a lot more. Looking at the post from his family member it doesn’t sound as simple as it was. He sounded like a good sweet man. If you don’t have anything to say or nothing kind to pass on to the family, don’t take the time to say anything. I am so very sorry for all his family and friends.
Elsie
July 6, 2024 at 1:45 pm
It so sad no matter it was in his head or someone did it. He was an human being who dye in a celebration. My condolences for all the family. It can be a mistake that cost his life. If people don’t have something good to say please say nothing.
Treezi
July 7, 2024 at 9:25 am
This poor man and his family. My deepest sympathy to all of you in his family especially his little ones. May God watch over all of you in this horrible time.🙏🙏🙏❤️
Lissa
July 8, 2024 at 10:40 am
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the loss of your loved one! This is a tragic horrible tragedy and I can’t imagine having to deal with such pain and loss. 😢 I’m so sorry for all the family and Especially his young son must be going through and I’m even more sorry for all of the disrespectful comments from the mindless few who show no empathy or compassion for your family. May your loved one rest in peace and 🙏🏻may God be with you all in your time of loss and sadness.💔❤️🩹💝