Graham teen killed after fireworks went off near his body on church property identified
A 15-year-old boy who died after a “mortar-type firework” went off near his body in Pierce County has been identified.
Benjamin Christensen of Graham died Feb. 17 from blunt-force injury to the chest from a fireworks detonation near the 21200 block of Orting Kapowsin Highway East. His manner of death has been ruled an accident, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office in a news release.
Christensen and four other boys had been at a sleepover and gone outside to light off fireworks on New Testament Christian Church’s property, The News Tribune previously reported.
The story said the incident was reported at 2:10 a.m.
“It’s unknown how they got a hold of mortars or where these fireworks came from,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune for the story.
A GoFundMe created to support Christensen’s family and the families of the boys who were affected described the teen as “an inspiring person” and “true friend.”
“[Christensen] radiated happiness, kindness, compassion, and could make anyone laugh. He was a great example to all of what it is to be a good person and a true friend,” the fundraiser said.
