(Feb. 29, 2024) – The Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network, in coordination with local and federal law enforcement partners, is investigating an accidental death involving an explosive that occurred early Thursday morning at a dog park near Quincy Reservoir in south Aurora.
Before 1 a.m. on Thursday Feb. 29, 2024, Aurora patrol officers responded to a report of a suspicious occurrence involving an explosion at Grandview Dog Park, 17502 E. Quincy Avenue. Once officers arrived at the scene, they located a 42-year-old Strasburg man who had sustained fatal injuries consistent with an explosion.
The preliminary investigation indicates the man traveled to Aurora with two other people to visit food and beverage businesses. Before 1 a.m., they traveled to the dog park with several large, commercial-grade fireworks. It’s unclear if the fireworks are homemade or purchased out-of-state.
The man was lighting one of the fireworks when it exploded, causing the fatal injuries. No other injuries or property damage were reported.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad responded to the scene and deactivated four additional fireworks. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded to assist with the investigation.
Law enforcement officials traveled to the man’s Strasburg home. There was no evidence of explosive making activity and no additional fireworks were recovered.
The incident is being investigated as an accidental death. No criminal charges are anticipated. However, the investigation is ongoing.
The Strasburg man will be identified by the Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office.
The Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement Network, or RAVEN, is a multi-jurisdictional task force comprised of investigators from 16 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. RAVEN is led by the Aurora Police Department.
Anyone with any information about the incident, who hasn’t already spoken with investigators, is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP24-39725