WHITTEMORE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – A fireworks incident tragically claimed the life of a Whittemore man just days before Independence Day celebrations.

According to the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office, emergency services were dispatched at approximately 9:10 p.m. on July 1 following a 911 call reporting a fireworks-related injury at the corner of 5th Street and Kossuth Avenue. The caller reported that the male subject was unconscious after sustaining injuries while setting off fireworks.

First responders from Whittemore EMS, Kossuth County EMS, and the Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene. Air Med 3, a medical helicopter from Mercy Hospital in Mason City, was also dispatched to assist.

The victim, identified as Patrick Prentice, 33, of Whittemore, was transported to Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. Despite life-saving efforts, Prentice succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities stated that the fatal injuries occurred when Prentice held a launcher tube while igniting fireworks.

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to exercise extreme caution when handling fireworks, especially during the holiday season.