LIBERTY, New York – A soon-to-be father was fatally wounded just before noon Sunday when a device he was building for a gender reveal exploded, state police say.
Cops were called to the scene for a report of an explosion. Police say the blast occurred as Christopher Pekny, 28, was building the device.
The “device exploded resulting in the death of Pekny and injuring his brother” Michael Pekny, 27, police said. The younger Pekny was transported to Garnet Medical Center in Middletown, NY.
The incident remains under investigation by the New York State Police and the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit.
According to the New York Post, the ‘Robin Hood Diner’ in Livingston Manor is owned by the Pekny family and has been in business since the 1980s.
The owners of the diner wrote on their Facebook page, “We are deeply saddened and must inform you all of the loss of our dear an beloved Christopher.We appreciate the overwhelming display of love and support that you all have shown. The Robin Hood will be closed for the immediate future. More details will be posted when we have them available. Thank you.”
