HOLLAND, MI – A tragic incident unfolded in Ottawa County when a homemade firework explosion took the life of Jana Daniels, 41, during a backyard display. Anthony Jon Meyer, 37, was sentenced to one year in the Ottawa County Jail for igniting the “Salute Cannon” that resulted in Daniels’ death and injured nine others in Park Township on July 3.
The victim’s mother, Dee Lewis, expressed her family’s devastation over the loss and displayed grace towards Meyer, acknowledging the suffering that his family has endured as well. Meyer, in turn, apologized for his actions.
Meyer pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal, acknowledging his gross negligence in the incident. Prosecutors called for a one-year jail sentence as part of the agreement, and Meyer will also spend three years on probation, perform 100 hours of community service, and pay over $13,000 in restitution.
Daniels, a school teacher, was survived by her son, Tyler, who was not present during the tragic event. The incident occurred on Main Street, just west of North 160th Avenue, north of Holland.
The community has been left reeling from the repercussions of this fatal explosion, as the court’s decision seeks to bring closure to a heartbreaking situation. Despite the tragic outcome, both the victim’s family and the perpetrator’s family have been deeply affected by the devastating consequences of this avoidable accident.