'He was just full of love': Family remembers young man killed in Tuskahoma fireworks explosion

What was supposed to be a night of celebration turned into tragedy for a small Southeast Oklahoma community last week.

22-year-old Ely Smith had just celebrated his birthday on June 30. Three days later, he was helping deliver fireworks for the Boom in the Valley celebration in Tuskahoma when an explosion erupted, setting off a fire that injured five people.

Ely later died from his injuries.

Now, as investigators work to determine what caused the blast, the community is remembering Ely.

“He was just good at everything.”

Ely Smith was known for his big heart, his love of the outdoors, and his ability to make anyone feel like a friend.

“He was such an amazing kid,” said Jill Grady, Ely’s aunt. “He was just good at everything.”

Whether it was fishing, hunting, bowfishing, or fixing cars, Ely rarely sat still. Grady said her nephew was always moving, always making others laugh.

“I always said, I don't care how big you get, you'll never stop giving me a hug,” she recalled. “And he said, ‘No way.’ And he didn’t. He was just so full of love.”

Explosion at Choctaw Nation Capitol Site Still Under Investigation

The explosion happened on the grounds of the historic Choctaw Nation Capitol in Tuskahoma, just one day before the Boom in the Valley show was scheduled to take place.

Officials say five people were injured — two critically. Ely passed away from his injuries on Wednesday.

Family members say Ely and several others, including close friend Cash Collins, were helping prepare fireworks when something sparked inside a cabin where the fireworks were being stored. The exact cause remains under investigation, according to the Choctaw Nation.

Previous Story: Fireworks explosion in Tuskahoma critically injures 3 — here’s what we know

A Community in Mourning — and Support

In the days following the explosion, friends and loved ones packed the hospital waiting room, showing just how many lives Ely touched.

“On Sunday, I counted about 75 people in the waiting room,” Grady said. “It was really overwhelming to see.”

Grady said Ely’s family shared that space with Cash Collins’ family. Cash, a recent Vian High School graduate, was also critically injured in the explosion. The two were lifelong friends.

“Both families have received overwhelming support,” she said. “We just want to thank everybody from the bottom of our hearts for rallying around us.”

Company Responds, Says Subcontractor Set Up Show

Hance Pyrotechnics, the company originally hired for the Boom in the Valley fireworks display, told News On 6 it did not deliver fireworks to Tuskahoma, but did supply the materials.

The company says a private subcontractor was responsible for setting up the show and hiring workers. In a statement, Hance Pyrotechnics said its “hearts go out to the families of the injured.”

How to Help

As the community continues to grieve, Ely’s family has set up an account at Armstrong Bank to help cover final expenses. A GoFundMe has also been launched here.

Above all, they ask for continued prayers — for Ely, for Cash, and for everyone affected.

“Ely never met a stranger,” Grady said. “He made friends everywhere he went. We saw that in the hospital, and we’ve seen it every day since.”