A Texas man died this week after lighting a firework on his chest while partying with friends, police say.
Justin Bartek, 30, was a postal worker in Columbus, Texas. Colorado County Sheriff's officials told KPRC that Bartek and some friends were shooting off fireworks around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Dollar Hole, a popular fishing spot on the Colorado River.
Witnesses told investigators that Bartek ignited a tube-type firework called the Medieval Knight on his chest and then suffered critical injuries, according to KTRK. He died shortly afterward at Columbus Community Hospital.
Bartek leaves behind a 3-year-old son, whom he had with his girlfriend of 10 years, Summer Jenkins.
Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Bartek's funeral expenses.
His friend Erica Jackson told KPRC that Bartek was a kind and generous man, and said that she will miss seeing him along his route.
"He was the light of many people's lives and the world to the people that knew him, and he would give the world to any that asked," Jackson said.
Bartek's death comes just days after a Maine man died after setting a firework off on his head on the Fourth of July.
Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the name of the Colorado County Sheriff's Office.
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