Fireworks Beach Cleanup Turns Into Life-Changing Emergency Near Crescent City
Jason Turner was picking up fireworks debris at Point St. George Beach when an explosive device went off, leaving him with severe injuries and a long recovery ahead.
Jason Turner receives medical care after a fireworks debris explosion at Point St. George Beach near Crescent City. Turner’s family says the blast led to the loss of his hand, vision and hearing loss, and a long recovery ahead. Photo courtesy of the Turner family GoFundMe.
UPDATED, 7/8/26, 4:49pm.
CRESCENT CITY, Calif. — Jason Turner went to the beach to help clean it up.
He left facing a life-changing medical emergency.
Turner was walking along Point St. George Beach near Crescent City with his girlfriend, Pamala, picking up fireworks trash after the Fourth of July holiday when he picked up what his family described as a “bomb-like device.” The object went off unexpectedly, causing severe injuries.
What began as a simple act of kindness — cleaning up debris left behind on the beach — has turned into a life-changing tragedy.
A family fundraiser organized by Ashley Turner says the explosion resulted in the loss of Turner’s hand. The fundraiser also says he is awaiting two additional surgeries after the amputation and is experiencing vision and hearing loss, though it is not yet known whether either will return.
Jason Turner, shown before the accident, is facing a long recovery after his family says a fireworks debris explosion at Point St. George Beach led to the loss of his hand, along with vision and hearing loss. Photo courtesy of the Turner family GoFundMe.
“Jason has always been the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need,” Ashley wrote on the fundraiser page.
Captain Kyle Stevens of the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office told the San Francisco Chronicle that deputies were called just before 4 p.m. Sunday after Turner picked up a “shiny, round object” that exploded in his hand.
Deputies found Turner conscious in the beach parking lot with a “severe injury” to his left hand. He was taken first to Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City and later continued receiving treatment for the injuries.
The sheriff’s office believes the object, about 6 inches long, was a homemade firework left on the beach during Fourth of July festivities.
Captain Stevens said that his girlfriend was unharmed by the blast.
The sheriff’s office said an investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing. Deputies searched the beach after the incident and have continued checking the area for additional explosives. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office.
For Turner and his family, the accident has changed nearly everything.
The fundraiser says he will be out of work for some time and faces a long recovery, with expenses expected for transportation to and from medical appointments, essential medications and hotel stays for family members during treatment.
His family says Turner is the sole provider for a family of seven and still has two children in school.
“Every bit of support will help ease the burden and allow Jason to focus on healing,” the family wrote.
Jason Turner is shown with his family before the accident. Turner’s family says he is the sole provider for a family of seven and faces a long recovery after a fireworks debris explosion at Point St. George Beach. Photo courtesy of the Turner family GoFundMe.
The sheriff’s office also reminded the public not to touch any suspected explosive device. Anyone who finds suspicious fireworks material or a possible explosive should move away to a safe distance and immediately contact law enforcement.
Turner had gone to the beach to make it cleaner and safer for others. Now, his family is asking the community to help him through the recovery ahead.
A GoFundMe titled “Support Jason After Beach Accident” has been created to help with medical travel, lodging, medications and other needs during Turner’s treatment and recovery.
At the time of publishing, the fundraiser had raised $41,490 toward a $75,000 goal, with 653 donations.
