Fireworks Explosion Results in One-Year Jail Sentence for Holland-Area Man

HOLLAND, MI – A local man from Holland, Michigan, has been sentenced to one year in the Ottawa County Jail after a fatal fireworks explosion that took the life of a 41-year-old woman in Park Township. Anthony Jon Meyer, 37, was found guilty of igniting a homemade firework, known as a “Salute Cannon,” which resulted in the death of Jana Daniels and injured nine others on July 3.

The victim’s mother, Dee Lewis, expressed her family’s devastation over the loss and extended grace to Meyer, acknowledging that his family has also suffered. Despite this, Meyer was held accountable for his actions, as he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal. Prosecutors pushed for a one-year jail sentence due to Meyer’s gross negligence, a crucial element of the manslaughter charge.

Jana Daniels, a school teacher, left behind a son named Tyler who was not present during the tragic incident. The explosion occurred on Main Street, just west of North 160th Avenue, north of Holland, and was caused by a cannon constructed by Meyer, filled with gunpowder, meant to create a loud “Salute.”

In addition to his jail time, Meyer will serve three years on probation, carry out 100 hours of community service, and pay over $13,000 in restitution for the deadly consequences of his actions. This sentencing marks the end of a tragic event that has left a lasting impact on the local community.