LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — A Gilbert boy's family is calling him a hero after he caught a firework to save his siblings from being hit.
Malachi Kelley, 9, is recovering with second and third-degree burns after jumping in front of a malfunctioning firework on New Year's Eve.
Malachi said the firework was headed straight for his siblings when he jumped into action.
"So there was my brother and my little sister Izzy and then my oldest sister, they were close to me, and then I stepped in front of the firework, and I closed it in my jacket, and it exploded in my jacket," Malachi said.
Malachi said saving his three siblings was the only thing running through his mind.
"I just wanted to protect them and make sure no one got hurt," he said.
He was taken to the Augusta Burn Center, where he was treated for his injuries.
His older brother, Liam, said he's grateful his brother was there to protect him.
"I was holding his hand the whole time, and wherever we got to the hospital, all I saw was them trying to help him. I'm glad that he's feeling better, and I can't wait until he recovers so he and I can go outside and throw the ball. I'm just glad he's okay," Liam said.
The father, Casey, said he's proud of his son and said this past New Year's Eve will stay in 2023.
"Probably the worst thing about this whole experience is being helpless in it. Being a father and feeling that feeling, being a parent and feeling that feeling is nothing you ever want to feel. On the upside, though, it happened 20 minutes before midnight, so as I'm telling myself, let's leave it in last year's problems," Casey said.
Malachi wanted his community to know he was on the mend.
"Honestly, I'm okay. I'm doing way much better, and I don't need a skin graft," he said.
The Kelley family said their son is staying out of school for a little while as he heals, and they're asking for continued prayers as Malachi continues to get better.