SENECA, S.C. — A 20-year-old Aiken man died Saturday night following a fireworks incident at a private dock on Lake Keowee, according to the Oconee County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner Karl Addis identified the victim as Brock K. Jackson, 20, of Aiken.
Officials said the incident was reported to Oconee County 911 Communications at approximately 9:25 p.m. on July 4, after an explosion involving fireworks occurred at a private dock on East Waterside Drive near Seneca.
According to investigators, the family at the residence hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks display from the dock. During this year’s celebration, additional fireworks reportedly ignited and detonated prematurely, triggering chaos as several people jumped into the water to escape the explosions.
Authorities said Jackson was later found face down in the water inside a boat slip at the dock. He was pulled from the lake within minutes, and emergency medical personnel provided advanced life support before transporting him to Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Jackson was pronounced dead in the emergency department at approximately 10:45 p.m.
The coroner’s office stated that his death is directly associated with the fireworks incident. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, including whether he suffered blunt force trauma after possibly striking a boat lift or injuries related to the explosion itself.
No other injuries were reported in the incident.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the explosion and subsequent drowning.
The tragic incident has left family and friends mourning the sudden loss of Brock K. Jackson, a young life taken far too soon during what was meant to be a holiday celebration.
