Florida man killed from bonfire explosion at weekend party
Volusia County Sheriff's Office (WKMG 2021)
DELAND, Fla. – A central Florida man was killed from an apparent bonfire explosion over the Memorial Day weekend, authorities said.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said that investigators hadn’t yet determined what caused the explosion during the outdoor party at a home near DeLand, Florida early Monday. DeLand is located more than 40 miles north of Orlando.
The 51-year-old man had left a patio to attend to the bonfire around 3:30 a.m. Witnesses told investigators that there was a hissing sound a short time later and then the sound of something hitting the ground. When other partygoers went to check on the man, they found him unresponsive near the bonfire with extensive injuries, the sheriff's office said.
The Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the explosion.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Friends march from Jacksonville to D.C to advocate for social welfare programs, address homelessness ▶ 0:43
Friends march from Jacksonville to D.C to advocate for social welfare programs, address homelessness
Start 2026 With Purpose: Volunteer on MLK Day of Service With United Way Northeast Florida ▶ 0:30
Start 2026 With Purpose: Volunteer on MLK Day of Service With United Way Northeast Florida
Bracing for weekend storms ▶ 0:40
Bracing for weekend storms
Jacksonville residents share their 2026 New Year's resolutions ▶ 1:15
Jacksonville residents share their 2026 New Year's resolutions
Owner of stolen Jacksonville food trailer says he's working to get it operational ▶ 0:32
Owner of stolen Jacksonville food trailer says he's working to get it operational
6-week-old baby dips her toes in water for Polar Plunge at Jacksonville Beach ▶ 0:15
6-week-old baby dips her toes in water for Polar Plunge at Jacksonville Beach
Meteorologist Katie Garner tracks rain through the weekend ▶ 0:55
Meteorologist Katie Garner tracks rain through the weekend
3 separate shootings in Jacksonville during New Year's celebrations in Jacksonville ▶ 0:57
3 separate shootings in Jacksonville during New Year's celebrations in Jacksonville
Fernandina Beach drops the shrimp to celebrate New Year's ▶ 1:54
Fernandina Beach drops the shrimp to celebrate New Year's
Study raises concerns over property values if Florida nixes HOAs ▶ 0:49
Study raises concerns over property values if Florida nixes HOAs
Freeze warning, bitter wind chills as new year approaches ▶ 1:14
Freeze warning, bitter wind chills as new year approaches
Fernandina Beach store owner’s funny response to burglary goes viral ▶ 1:57
Fernandina Beach store owner’s funny response to burglary goes viral
That’s a wrap! Thank you for supporting season 1 of ‘Voices of the 904′ ▶ 0:33
That’s a wrap! Thank you for supporting season 1 of ‘Voices of the 904′
‘They’re not indestructible’: Child e-bike injuries jump by almost 4,000% in three years ▶ 0:51
‘They’re not indestructible’: Child e-bike injuries jump by almost 4,000% in three years
Jonas Brothers show to mark last concert at Daily’s Place before closure for stadium renovations ▶ 0:34
Jonas Brothers show to mark last concert at Daily’s Place before closure for stadium renovations
Man killed in officer-involved shooting ▶ 1:15
Man killed in officer-involved shooting
Cold snap returns to Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia ▶ 1:17
Cold snap returns to Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia
Concerns raised after Jacksonville sees 3 pedestrians killed by vehicles in past week ▶ 0:59
Concerns raised after Jacksonville sees 3 pedestrians killed by vehicles in past week
Mizzou fans get in the spirit at Jacksonville Beach pep rally for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl ▶ 0:31
Mizzou fans get in the spirit at Jacksonville Beach pep rally for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Virginia fans get hyped for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with pep rally in Jacksonville Beach ▶ 0:31
Virginia fans get hyped for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl with pep rally in Jacksonville Beach
Will the Jacksonville Icemen play Friday night despite ECHL strike? ▶ 0:41
Will the Jacksonville Icemen play Friday night despite ECHL strike?
Community steps up to help after food truck owner's trailer stolen on Christmas morning ▶ 0:27
Community steps up to help after food truck owner's trailer stolen on Christmas morning
Man dies in Christmas Eve shooting outside business near St. Augustine Road: JSO ▶ 0:43
Man dies in Christmas Eve shooting outside business near St. Augustine Road: JSO
Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fire ▶ 1:12
Jacksonville family moves into home donated by church after losing everything in apartment fire
Watch Katie's hilarious fail at re-gifting gift cards on The Morning Show ▶ 0:58
Watch Katie's hilarious fail at re-gifting gift cards on The Morning Show
Previous photo Next photo 