Man killed in his Central Islip backyard after exploding firework blows up in his face

CENTRAL ISLIP, Long Island (WABC) -- Police in Suffolk County are investigating after an exploding firework killed a homeowner during a Fourth of July party.

Authorities identified the victim as Gabriel Ruiz-Urresto, 37. The accident happened in the backyard of his home on E. Sycamore St in Central Islip around 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Police say he lit the firework and it blew up in his face and struck him in the head.

He died at the scene.