BLOOMINGTON— A Bloomington man died Saturday night in a fireworks-related accident in western Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Tyler Pinkley, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering traumatic injuries while handling fireworks.
Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 10:29 p.m. to the 7000 block of West Tabor Hill Road following reports of an incident involving fireworks. Deputies, along with fire and EMS personnel, arrived to find Pinkley critically injured. The Monroe County Coroner’s Office later confirmed his death.
Witnesses told investigators that Pinkley was attempting to light a large mortar while holding it above his head. Despite friends’ efforts to stop him, he reportedly said he had done it before and proceeded anyway.
Deputies interviewed about a dozen witnesses and collected evidence at the scene. Preliminary findings indicate the incident was accidental.
The investigation remains ongoing.
