A Fourth of July backyard gathering in Central Islip turned tragic late Saturday when a firework exploded and fatally struck Gabriel Ruiz-Urresto, 37, in the head, authorities said. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene, and Suffolk County police have opened an investigation, leaving rattled neighbors and rattled nerves as holiday celebrations rolled on across Long Island.
Detectives said the blast happened in the backyard of a home on East Sycamore Street just west of Boulevard Avenue. A mortar-style device exploded and hit Ruiz-Urresto in the head, and the Homicide Squad is now leading the probe, according to Newsday.
In a separate fireworks mishap at Callahan's Beach in Fort Salonga, a 45-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening facial injuries and was taken to a hospital, officials said, a sobering reminder of just how quickly consumer fireworks can go sideways. Nationally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 11 fireworks-related deaths and roughly 14,700 injuries in 2024 and urges people to stick to professional shows and follow safety guidance. Local reporting on the beach incident appeared in Daily Voice, and CPSC published the national figures.
What state rules allow and what they ban
New York limits consumer fireworks to ground-based “sparkling devices” in many communities and bans aerial or explosive consumer fireworks such as mortars, bottle rockets and firecrackers, except for licensed, permitted displays. The governor’s office has issued safety tips for the July 4 and America 250 holiday period, and state rules along with Penal Law §270 spell out legal definitions and penalties for illegal fireworks. For full details, see the release from the Governor's office and the statutory text on FindLaw.
Police appeal and safety reminders
Suffolk County Police are asking anyone with information about the Central Islip incident to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or call Crime Stoppers. The department lists those contacts in its press materials, including its most recent release on the case, available through the Suffolk County Police. Officials and safety experts continue to stress that the safest way to see fireworks is at professional, permitted displays and to keep children and other bystanders well away from any consumer devices.
As of Sunday evening, investigators had released few personal details about Ruiz-Urresto, and it was not yet clear whether any criminal charges will follow. This story will be updated as police release more information.
