Man dies from firework injury

A Florence man died over the weekend after being hospitalized since he was struck in the head with a firework on the Fourth of July.

Quentin Hudson, 47, died Saturday afternoon at University Hospital in Columbia from a massive head injury suffered in the accident, said Pettis County Coroner Robert “Skip” Smith.

Hudson was injured when a projectile firework struck him in the head while he was at 24731 state Route O in northeastern Pettis County. A large group of people had gathered at the home to watch a fireworks display.

An autopsy was performed at the Boone County Medical Examiner’s office Monday, but results are pending, Smith said. The autopsy was performed “to tie up exactly what the exact cause was, but it’s all related to the open head injury,” Smith said.

Hudson had undergone several surgeries and treatments since July, Smith said.

Hudson’s funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Heckart Funeral Home.