Gaines Township, Mich. – Police have identified the 26-year-old man who died Sunday after a novelty cannon exploded in Gaines Township, southwest of Flint. Original Story: 26-year-old man dies from explosion at Michigan baby showerAccording to authorities, Evan Thomas Silva was struck by shrapnel when the cannon exploded. Police said the cannon did not have a projectile and was designed to create a big flash, smoke and a loud noise. It had been fired multiple times before the baby shower with no issue. Police believe that the gunpowder that was loaded into the device caused it to fracture and spread shrapnel across the area.