In an explosion at his home laboratory Parsons sustained mortal wounds. His right forearm was amputated, his legs and left arm were broken and a hole was torn in the right side of his face. Despite these critical injuries Parsons was found conscious by the upstairs lodgers. He was declared dead around thirty-seven minutes after the explosion. Parsons' last words were "Who will take care of me now?" When his mother Ruth was informed of the events she immediately committed suicide by taking an overdose of barbiturates.