Man killed by exploding baby shower cannon
Evan Thomas Silva of Michigan was standing 10-15 feet away from the cannon when he was hit by shrapnel.
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Facebook
An exploding canon killed a man and damaged multiple nearby vehicles last weekend, according to reports.
Evan Thomas Silva, 26, of Michigan attended his friends’ baby shower and was standing in a garden 10-15 feet away from the cannon when it detonated.
He was hit by shrapnel and later died in Hurley Medical Center in Flint, according to state police.
“Designed to create a big flash, a loud noise and create smoke”
“The cannon is designed to create a big flash, a loud noise and create smoke,” they said in a statement. “The cannon did not contain any projectiles, but it is suspected that the gun powder loaded into the device caused the cannon to fracture, resulting in shrapnel being spread in the area.
“The homeowner had purchased the cannon at an auction prior to the event and had fired the cannon several times prior.”
No charges have been filed and authorities are still investigating the incident and whether the device was used properly or malfunctioned, reports NYT.
A GoFundMe to help Silva’s family pay funeral costs has so far attracted almost $13k donations.
“On 2/6/21 we lost Evan Silva to a sudden fatal accident,” says a note on the page. “He left behind many family members and friends who greatly miss him and are grieving.
“We are asking for donations to help support Evans family with funeral arrangements. Thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated as well.”
Although police have said the cannon in question was not designed to show a colour to indicate the baby’s gender, the popularity of canons at such events in recent years has been driven by gender reveal.
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