Evan Thomas Silva, 26, died Saturday after being hit by shrapnel from the cannon fired to “celebrate the arrival of the baby,” Michigan State Police said in a statement.
When the gun was fired by the homeowner, police said the gun exploded and shot metal shrapnel across the yard that hit Silva, three vehicles, and the house’s garage in Gaines Township.
Silva stood about 3 to 5 meters from the gun and was the only person to be hit by shrapnel, police said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries.
“The gun contained no projectiles, but it is suspected that the gun broke through the gun powder loaded into the device, spreading shrapnel into the area,” the police statement said.
Police said the gun was similar to a “signal gun,” which emits a flash, a loud bang, and smoke when fired, and “is now more commonly used as a novelty.” The homeowner had bought the gun at auction and fired it several times before, police said.
Genesee County prosecutors will review the case when the Michigan State Police investigation is completed, police said.