What began as a backyard Fourth of July tradition on Jacksboro Street in Somerset turned into a tragedy that has shaken an entire neighborhood. A 4-year-old boy, identified by family as Rhett Luttrell, was killed after a fireworks tube tipped over and struck him during a family celebration in Pulaski County, Kentucky.
Relatives say Rhett was rushed to a nearby hospital Saturday night but was later pronounced dead. The sudden loss has left family members and neighbors reeling as word spread through the community over the holiday weekend.
According to LEX 18, the Pulaski County Coroner's Office said the family had been setting off a "cake-style fireworks box" at the home when a tube of active fireworks fell over and struck the boy. Emergency responders received a 911 call about a "fire emergency fireworks accident" at about 10:16 p.m., and people at the scene rushed Rhett to the hospital, the outlet reported. Investigators are still working to piece together the exact chain of events that led to the tip-over.
Family members describe Rhett as playful, fun-loving, and deeply cherished. His grandmother, Kim Lynn, called him "my pride and joy" and "an absolute angel," while his father, Mikey, said he and Rhett's mother "loved the child more than anything," per FOX13. The station also reported that the Pulaski County Coroner's Office confirmed the child's name and that the incident happened during a holiday gathering. Relatives say they are now focused on planning funeral arrangements as the community grieves alongside them.
What officials say
Deputy Coroner Matt Johnson called the death a "freak accident" and said the Somerset Police Department is investigating the scene and circumstances, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. Officials have not released further details about the specific device involved or whether any criminal charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Pulaski County authorities have urged privacy for the family while the inquiry moves forward, noting the emotional toll the incident has taken on relatives and first responders alike.
Fireworks safety and context
Fireworks are a familiar part of Independence Day in Kentucky and across the country, but they carry well-documented risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated about 9,700 emergency-department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2023 and reports that a large share occur in the two weeks around July 4.
The CPSC notes that younger children have among the highest injury rates and that multi-shot "cake" devices, like the kind being used in Somerset, can pose a tip-over risk that sends projectiles horizontally. Safety groups and local fire marshals often urge families to leave aerial displays to professionals and to keep children well away from consumer fireworks. The CPSC also publishes guidance on safe use and disposal.
Rominger Funeral Home in Manchester is handling the Luttrell family's arrangements, LEX 18 reports, and relatives have asked for space as they mourn. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with information or video from the gathering to contact the Somerset Police Department.
Neighbors say they are planning vigils and memorials in the coming days, hoping to honor Rhett's "fun-loving" spirit even as the community wrestles with the heartbreak of losing a child on a holiday meant for celebration.
