Fireworks in Iowa City seriously injured a Detroit TV meteorologist on the evening of July 4.

Dave Rexroth, the chief meteorologist at Detroit station WXYZ-TV, was vacation in Iowa City with his family when an fireworks accident caused Rexroth to lose sight in his left eye.

Rexroth is hospitalized at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; he is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday. He will receive a prosthetic eye and is expected to make a full recovery by September.

Ed Fernandez, vice president and general manager of WXYZ, said in a statement that he is looking forward for Rexroth to return to the station as well as to make a full recovery.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and his family, and they have our full support during this difficult time. As Dave recovers, we’ll provide updates on his progress — and we look forward to his return to Action News,” Fernandez said.

— by Rebecca Morin