The Young Man Who Died When He Lit a Firework on His Head Was a Popular Actor at Disney World

A new detail has emerged about the Maine man who was killed instantly when he lit a firework on his head during July 4 festivities.

Devon Staples, 22, formerly worked at Disney World in Orlando, dressing up as the characters Gaston (from Beauty and the Beast) and Goofy, the Hollywood Reporter writes.

Devon, whose death is the first related to fireworks in Maine since a prior ban was lifted two years ago, was “not the kind of person who would do something stupid,” his brother, Cody Staples, told the New York Daily News. “He was the kind of person who would pretend to do something stupid to make people laugh.”

In a YouTube video of Devon that resurfaced on July 6, he preens and peacocks as the arrogant Gaston, charming a group of girls with patter about Belle and the Beast. “You’re speechless, I know,” he says of his own good looks, as he poses for photos with them.

It was that love of making people laugh that brought Devon to Orlando. “Anyone who would want to give a tribute to Devon should go out and do something nice for someone,” Cody said. “Show some love to someone you don’t know. That kid was all about showing people love.”

[THR]