A 19-year-old man was killed Friday afternoon when a detached garage exploded in the 200 block of 17th Street NE, according to the Massillon Fire Department.
The victim, Trevor Stutzman, a 2025 graduate of Washington High School, died in the Oct. 3 explosion while he was inside the garage at his home.
Fire crews were called to the scene around 3:18 p.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke, flames, and debris scattered across the neighborhood. Witnesses reported hearing the blast from as far as two miles away.
Massillon Fire Chief Matt Heck confirmed Stutzman’s death, noting that the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Massillon Police Department are assisting.
In a public safety announcement issued Monday, the Massillon Police Department said evidence suggests modified or disassembled fireworks may have been involved in the explosion. Officials warned that these items are extremely dangerous and may have been distributed or exchanged locally.
Police are urging anyone who has obtained or seen altered fireworks to contact the Massillon Police Department immediately. Authorities emphasized that community cooperation is vital to preventing future incidents and ensuring public safety.
