The controversy around gender reveals has reared up yet again as another life was taken in the process of setting one up.
Christopher Pekny was a 28-year-old expectant father excited to share the gender of his child with loved ones. He worked with his brother Michael, 27, over the weekend when tragedy struck.
Chris was making his own gender-reveal explosive device when something went horribly wrong. An explosion occurred, killing the dad-to-be and injuring his younger brother. The news was devastating for the family, who was set to gather and celebrate an addition to the family and instead learned of this terrible loss.
Christopher Pekny was excited to be moving on to the next stage of his life. Just before Christmas, the 28-year-old learned he'd be becoming a dad for the first time. His girlfriend, Jennifer Edwards, was excited to start their family together.
Sadly, in preparing for the new addition to the family, something horrible happened. Chris was working on an explosive device as part of the couple's gender reveal with his brother, 27-year-old Michael Pekny. The two were working in the garage of the family home in Ferndale, New York, when the accident occurred.
An explosion occurred that killed Chris and injured Michael, although investigators haven't determined the exact cause, per The New York Times. The explosive involved a pipe, but it's unclear what the explosive material was.
Peter Pekny, older brother of Chris and Michael, said his younger brothers were capable and handy, and "very mechanically inclined."
He said the two had done a bunch of work on fixing up the family home where the accident occurred, as well as a number of cars over the years.
Peter had not left his home 45 miles away when he got the call about the accident. He sped to the house, even getting pulled over in the process. The state trooper confirmed Peter's explanation of what was happening.
"The color completely ran out of his face," Peter said of the trooper getting confirmation.
"He looked like he saw two ghosts."
Though Peter didn't share as close of a bond with his brothers as they did with each other, he said the three were getting closer recently.
"He was really looking forward to starting a family," Peter said.
"He was really starting to settle down and grow up."
The family owns a diner in the area, and they thanked their customers for the outpouring of love since the news went public.
"We are deeply saddened and must inform you all of the loss of our dear [and] beloved Christopher. We appreciate the overwhelming display of love and support that you all have shown," they shared on their Facebook page.
"The Robin Hood will be closed for the immediate future. More details will be posted when we have them available. Thank you."
