Kentucky man dies in fireworks accident on the Fourth of July
A Kentucky man died in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July, according to the Fleming County coroner.
Gary “Dave” Ratliff, 45, was checking on a firework that didn’t go off when it suddenly exploded, said Fleming County Coroner Winston Grannis. Ratliff was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident happened at Ratliff’s parents’ house on Wallingford Road in Flemingsburg. Flemingsburg is located about 65 miles northeast of Lexington.
Ratliff was born in Morehead and lived in Flemingsburg, according to his obituary. He graduated from Fleming County High School in 1998 and enjoyed motorcycles, target shooting and researching YouTube hacks.
Ratliff also enjoyed planning a yearly fireworks show for his family and friends, according to his obituary. Grannis said he had an elaborate setup of detonators for this year’s show.
Ratliff worked at Concord Tank Inc. for the last 14 years and was the superintendent, according to his obituary. He also created custom metal art and woodworking projects for his “man cave.”
“Dave was known for his sharp mind and inventive spirit,” his obituary read.
