The death of a man whose body was found July 4th in his Apple Valley backyard appears to have been caused by home fireworks, police said Thursday.

Police received a call just after 10 a.m. Sunday that the man, whose name and age have not been released, was lying dead in a backyard in the 12500 block of Gavotte Avenue, according to Apple Valley Police Sgt. Josh Gerving.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the man died of a head wound suffered when he was hit by an explosive device, Gerving said. Several unexploded fireworks also were found in the yard.

Police are investigating, along with a medical examiner.

PAMELA MILLER