WICKLIFFE, Ohio — An 18-year-old male died following a garage explosion that happened in Lake County on Sunday morning.
Wickliffe Fire officials told 3News that a garage with fireworks exploded in the 1700 block on Ridgeview Drive in Wickliffe at around 10:46 a.m. When crews arrived, the garage structure was in flames. Fire officials say there is significant damage to the back of the house as well as a neighboring home.
An 18-year-old male resident, identified as Nathan Greger, was found deceased in the garage once the fire was extinguished. A preliminary investigation revealed that the resident had stored fireworks in the rear portion of the garage.
While it remains unclear what caused the explosion, there is nothing that has led investigators to believe that the incident is anything but a "tragic accident." No other injuries were reported as a result of the explosion.
Anybody who may have witnessed the incident or who may have video recordings is asked to contact the Wickliffe Police Department Detective Bureau at 440-943-1234. Additionally, any relevant video may be forwarded to Detective Lieutenant James Coolick at jcoolick@cityofwickliffe.com.
The Wickliffe Fire Department was assisted by the Wickliffe Police Department, ATF, the Lake County Bomb Squad, State Fire Marshal, and the Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, Willowick, Kirtland and Eastlake Fire Departments. A GoFundMe has also been set up to help Greger's family pay for funeral expenses, raising $36,000 as of 10:20 p.m. Friday.
UPDATE: The Wickliffe Police Department sent an update on the investigation on Friday. During its probe of the property, officers found "novelty or antique military surplus items, including several hollow hand grenade shells." Members of the ATF and Lake County Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) removed the items along with ammunition, fireworks, and related material. An inert hand grenade was found later in the week and was again removed by the Lake County EOD. Police say the property is not considered a hazard and cleanup crews are removing debris.
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PHOTOS: Wickliffe garage explosion
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Feb. 21, 2023, in an unrelated story.