Ron Smith, a pyrotechnics and atmospheric effects expert with decades of experience who had been working with Strictly FX in recent years, died earlier this month at age 66. “Ron was a kind-hearted and jovial member of the Strictly FX family,” noted Strictly FX in an April 13 post on social media. The company, which won a Parnelli Award at the 21st annual ceremony a day later, accepted the award in Smith’s honor. “He joined our team in 2018, bringing with him a storied career.”
Smith was part of the pyro crew behind the official 2002 music video produced for “Cochise” for Audioslave. Filmed near Los Angeles’ Sepulveda Dam in late September 2002, the pyro display helped cement the music video’s iconic status – and was also massive enough to prompt road closures after thousands of callers notified authorities about a possible terrorist attack.
Over the years, Smith became known for his professionalism, not just in the live event pyro community, but among fire department personnel. A memorial service will take place at Welch-Rice-Haider’s funeral chapel on 15 E. Sola St. in Santa Barbara, CA at 10:30 a.m. on May 27.
