Sherman Texas Teen Firework Accident: : Eye Loss and Serious Injuries in a Cautionary Tale

Sherman, Texas (KXII) – A teenager from Sherman is sharing his story of losing an eye in a firework accident in the hopes of raising awareness about firework safety leading up to the Fourth of July weekend.

Sixteen-year-old Chauncey Wilson was lighting an artillery shell firework last year while with his family when the accident occurred.

“The firework hit under my eye with such force that it deflated my eye like a basketball,” Wilson said.

The firework did not ignite upon the initial spark, so Wilson attempted to relight it with a shorter fuse. Unfortunately, he was unable to move away in time, and the firework exploded in his face.

“It was tough. I was concerned about his well-being and mental stability,” said Tammy Williams, Wilson’s guardian. “It’s a difficult experience for a sixteen-year-old to go through.”

Williams mentioned that the family has not yet decided whether they will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks this year, as they have refrained from doing so since Chauncey’s accident.

“He’s wearing a prosthetic eye, but one eye sits slightly lower than the other,” Williams explained. “They are planning to fix that, and he also has a scar on his face that hasn’t fully healed.”

Sherman Fire Marshal Billy Hartsfield emphasized the importance of firework safety. He advised ensuring that fireworks have a stable base and, if they fail to ignite initially, waiting for at least fifteen minutes before submerging them in water overnight.

“If any part of the fuse is missing, do not light the firework,” Hartsfield warned. “Handle it with caution, treating it like a small stick of dynamite.”

Hartsfield also highlighted the potential dangers of sparklers, which can burn at temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees.

As for Wilson, he mentioned that he has adjusted to his vision loss and can function with one eye, although his right side is now blind.

“The first month was challenging, but now it feels normal to me,” Wilson said. “I can do everything, including driving. However, I won’t be able to join the military since I would be considered disabled.”

Wilson stated that he hasn’t touched a firework since the accident and has no intention of doing so in the future.

It is worth noting that the sale of fireworks is illegal in Denison, and in Sherman, there is a fine of $209 for illegally discharging them.