Man killed at Michigan baby shower after cannon exploded

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Evan Thomas Silva, 26, died Saturday after being struck by shrapnel from the cannon, which was fired to “celebrate the baby’s imminent arrival,” Michigan State Police said in a report. communicated.

When the cannon was fired by the owner, police said the cannon exploded, projecting shards of metal onto the yard that struck Silva, three vehicles, and the garage at the Gaines Township home.

The revelers thought they had built a smart sex reveal device. It turned out to be a deadly homemade bomb

Silva was standing about 10 to 15 feet from the cannon and was the only person hit by shrapnel, police said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.

“The barrel did not contain any projectiles, but it is suspected that the gunpowder loaded into the device caused the barrel to fracture, which resulted in the spread of shells in the area,” according to the police statement.

CNN affiliate WJRT reported that Silva was a family friend who hosted the event. Silva was from Hartland, Michigan, according to police.

Police said the cannon was similar to a “signal cannon,” which releases a flash, loud boom and smoke when fired, and “is more commonly used now as a novelty item.” The owner had bought the gun at an auction and fired it several times before, police said.

Genesee County prosecutors will review the case upon completion of the Michigan State Police investigation, police said.

Silva’s death is no different from accidents at gender reveal parties, in which expectant parents announce the sex of their unborn child with pyrotechnics or elaborate displays that caused devastating forest fires, plane crashes or the death of revelers.

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