CLAY COUNTY, Ind. – A 41-year-old Clay County man is dead after suffering injuries from a firework.

According to Clay County Sheriff Brison Swearingen, on August 9, 2025, at approximately 9:48 p.m., the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a fireworks-related injury in southern Clay County.

The sheriff noted that, according to witnesses, Brandon Hamilton “was attempting to light a firework, a 3-inch mortar, as part of a fireworks display when the device ignited unexpectedly and discharged, striking Mr. Hamilton. Despite immediate emergency efforts, Mr. Hamilton succumbed to his injuries at the scene.”

Clay County Coroner Lexi Gass told WTWO that an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the Clay County Coro

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