(WWJ) A baby shower in the Flint area took a tragic turn when a cannon misfired, killing a man.
Police say the victim, 26, of Hartland was standing near a small cannon that was fired off to kick off the the celebration in Gaines Township, about 14 miles southwest of Flint, around 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The cannon exploded, causing metal and shrapnel to hit three parked cars and fly into the garage where the party was taking place.
He was seriously injured and died later at Hurley Medical Center in Flint from his injuries.
Michigan State Police Flint, MSP Bomb Squad and the Gaines Township Fire Department were on the scene.
ABC 12 reported balloons on the mailbox, an overturned cooler and a handmade chalkboard sign that read ‘baby shower’ were still on display at the site later in the day.
Police identified Evan Thomas Silva as the victim. The 26-year-old from Hartland was killed when a piece of shrapnel slammed into his chest, according to State Police. They added Silva was a friend of the family -- a guest at the party -- and not the one who lit the fuse.
“The homeowner reported… it (the cannon) had been shot several times,” Lt. Liz Rich of the Michigan State Police told ABC 12. “If there aren’t regular inspections on a device like this, the cast material can wear away.”
The cannon should have set off a loud bang, a flash of light and a puff of smoke, police said. This is one of several incidents where people have been killed or seriously injured during ever-more-elaborate baby shower and gender reveal gimmicks.
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