A Tallapoosa man was killed Saturday evening when a mortar firework struck his chest, causing massive trauma.

Investigators say Trevor White had gathered with friends at a residence on Stone Mountain Street.

“They were shooting off fireworks and the victim had apparently attempted to hold one and to send it into the air, rather than allowing it to fire from the ground,” Investigator Mark Worthy said. “He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”

The state fire marshal is expected to take over the investigation.