Washington teen loses hand in fireworks accident while protecting young kids

A 19-year-old lost his right hand in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July trying to prevent two young children from getting hurt.

"I was one of those horror stories that I was always told about, 'Stay away from the fireworks, you’ll blow your hand off.' Quite literally that exactly happened," said Ryli Baumgartner.

Baumgartner's story is different. He was at a family friend's Fourth of July celebration where fireworks were being set off. He said someone there was intoxicated and threw a sparkler bomb.

"As soon as I saw them light it and toss it a few feet in front of them, I was instantly scared and thought as soon as this thing goes off they're blind or dead," Baumgartner said.

Baumgartner said two young children ran toward the firework. He then jumped into action and grabbed the lit firework, but it exploded in his hand.

[BPJJohn]

This Brave guy sacrificed his hand to protect children from others stupidity, that deserves a Medal.

[SeminDemin]

He’s dealing with the ptsd of loosing his limb. He will recover mentally and physically. You got this buddy.

[zackrice]

“I can’t give cpr without a hand”
Says a lot about his character I don’t even know him and I’m in tears.

[VulcanAvenger]

If there ever was a legitimate and deserving person for a GoFundMe effort, Riley is this person. A true hero is someone who puts others before himself without a second thought. I am very proud of you Riley and I know you have a long tough road ahead, but you could be a spokesman for Fireworks safety like Yogi Bear for the prevention of forest fires.

[elijahkiefer]

It's more impressive that he acted in kindness rather than in obligation

[mariesong]

Please tell me that the person that made and threw that firework is being sued! At the very least the lady should have charges pressed against her! Drunk or not does not excuse you putting others in danger, especially children.

[bofa]

I know it will be hard to recover physically and mentally, but you're a hero, kid. never forget that.

[njdevfan]

Your heroism has lifted my depression. Thank you for saving those children. You are a brave man. Do not let anyone tell you different.

[Gabster]

Poor dude. It's gonna take time for him to accept his new reality but I believe in him.

[duvine]

His lifeguard instincts kicked in instead of saying No & Stop to the kids, something good must come out of this.

[caroll]

The community needs to step up and help this young man get his prosthetic hand. He saved those kids it’s the right thing to do.

[kingofreels]

Nothing short of a hero. Being a father it brings me to tears, thank you for protecting young man.

[karenkernell]

Oh that poor young man!! He lost a hand due to some drunk dirtbag!! Thank goodness he thought about those little kids though. A real life hero. Hope he gets all the best medical care and state of the art prosthetics.

[marmyada]

GFM under name - Support Ryli's Road to Recovery

[ShlisaShell]

Man has a good heart. Bless you young man.

[jillbecker]

Just so you know you can do CPR with one hand! I've seen it done! I hope our community can stand up and help this young man...he deserves the best! ❤

[ieattofu]

HORRIFYING... I hope and pray he gets all the help and support he needs.

[Sunflowersoflove]

Please support this young man. He deserves everything!

[XeonProductions]

Even intoxicated I wouldn't be throwing large fireworks near children, what the heck were people thinking.

[ForgivenRedemption]

Are there any decent parents left in this world or just grown children with children?