Man's ashes to be put in fireworks

INDIANAPOLIS, July 3 (UPI) -- Organizers of an Indianapolis fireworks exhibit said Thursday night's display will include some of the ashes from a recently deceased pyrotechnician.

The family of Meredith Smith, who died recently at the age of 74, said some of his ashes will be included in a fireworks shell that will be launched to conclude the show, the Indianapolis Star reported Thursday.

Smith worked on the north side's annual fireworks displays for nearly 40 years.

"We started this as a community service almost 40 years ago," said Charlotte Smith, the pyrotechnician's widow. "Meredith felt like the people in this area didn't get the opportunities that other people got, and so he wanted to give them the opportunity. Sometimes, we took the money out of our own pocket."

Organizers said more than $10,000 was donated by local businesses and individuals to fund this year's show.