26-year-old Evan Thomas Silva died on Saturday after being struck by a shrapnel from the cannon, which was fired to celebrate the baby’s fourth anticipation, Michigan police said in a statement.
When the cannon was fired by the homeowner, police said the cannon blew up and sprayed the metal splinter over the garden hitting Silva, three vehicles and the garage of the house in Gaines Township.
Silva stood about 10 to 15 feet from the cannon and was the only person hit by shrapnel, police said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“The cannon contains no projectiles, but it is suspected that the gun powder loaded into the device caused the cannon to break, causing grenades to disperse in the area,” according to the police statement.
Police said the cannon was similar to a ‘signal cannon’, which releases a flash, a loud blow and smoke when fired, and ‘is now more commonly used as a latest item.’ The police bought the cannon at an auction and fired it several times.
Prosecutors in Genesee County will review the case once the investigation into the state of Michigan is completed, police said.