Crime
Victims Identified in Accurate Energetic Systems Explosion
UPDATE: All 16 people inside the building that exploded at Accurate Energetic Systems Oct. 10 are dead, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at an Oct. 11 press conference.
The Humphreys and Hickman County sheriffs today released the names of those who are presumed deceased as a result of the devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems on Friday:
- Jason Adams
- Erick Anderson
- Billy Baker,
- Adam Boatman
- Christopher Clark
- Mindy Clifton,
- James Cook
- Reyna Gillahan
- LaTeisha Mays,
- Jeremy Moore
- Melinda Rainey
- Melissa Stanford,
- Trenton Stewart
- Rachel Woodall
- Steven Wright
- Donald Yowell
The sheriff, during often emotional press briefings outside the AES facility gates, said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was working the site of the explosion to conduct DNA testing to confirm the identities of those who died.
TENNESSEE — State officials have provided an update on the ongoing investigation into Friday’s catastrophic explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in rural Hickman County, confirming a slight improvement in the situation as the number of individuals unaccounted for has decreased from 18 to 16.
Authorities said two workers previously believed to have been at the facility during the blast were confirmed to be off-site at the time of the explosion.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains at Level 4 – Elevated, coordinating efforts with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which has deployed its elite National Response Team to assist in determining the cause of the explosion.
Officials said controlled detonations will continue periodically in order to safely dispose of unstable materials at the site.
Residents will receive at least 30 minutes’ advance notice via official social media channels before each detonation. Authorities continue to emphasize that there is no current threat to public safety, though the area remains restricted to authorized personnel.
A Family Assistance Center remains open to support affected families, and officials encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress to call or text 988 for immediate mental health assistance.
During a press briefing Saturday, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said that more than 300 investigators and emergency personnel have meticulously combed through nearly every part of the blast site but have found no survivors.
“I can tell you that over 300 people have been through almost every square inch of this facility, and at this time, we’ve recovered no survivors,” Davis said, visibly emotional. “It’s even more devastating than what we initially thought. Truly heartbreaking — a tremendous loss for this community.”
The explosion, which occurred shortly before 8 a.m. Friday, destroyed a large portion of the AES manufacturing campus near Bucksnort, about 50 miles west of Nashville. The facility produces military, aerospace, oil, and commercial demolition explosives, operating across a sprawling 1,300-acre site that includes eight production and testing buildings.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is assisting with victim identification, utilizing rapid DNA testing due to the severe conditions of the remains recovered so far. Sheriff Davis said investigators are treating the site as a potential crime scene until all possibilities—including foul play—can be ruled out.
“Can I say we’re going to rule out foul play? We can’t answer that yet,” Davis said. “That might be days, weeks, or even months before we can.”
The ATF’s National Response Team, composed of explosives specialists, bomb technicians, chemists, engineers, and fire investigators, arrived on site Saturday.
The team has previously handled major national cases, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and the 9/11 Pentagon attack. Their primary mission is to determine the origin and cause of the explosion, using advanced forensic analysis and scene reconstruction.
“So right now, our bomb technicians and explosive specialists are working methodically to make the area safe,” said ATF Supervisory Special Agent Guy McCormick. “Once that is complete, our National Response Team can begin their full investigation.”
Among those confirmed missing or deceased are Trent Stewart, Melissa Dawn Stanford, Chris Clark, Reyna Gillahan, Erick and Jeremy Moore.
Moore’s mother, Ava Hinson, said her son had been working in Building 602, the structure believed to have been completely destroyed in the explosion.
“The last I heard from him, he had just dropped off his daughter and was headed to work,” Hinson said tearfully. “It’s unbelievable — the not knowing. I don’t want bad news, but at this point, I’d almost feel better if I just knew.”
In a heartfelt statement, The Log Church, where Pastor Trent Stewart served as minister, announced changes to its Sunday services in light of his disappearance:
“One of the missing following yesterday’s explosion at AES is our pastor, Trent Stewart. Because of this, we are canceling Sunday School and worship. In their place, we will gather for a time of prayer in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to join us.”
The church invited members of the community to come together in faith and solidarity, adding:
“Our motto has always been ‘come as you are.’ Tomorrow, that includes bringing your hurts, your grief, and your brokenness to the feet of Jesus.”
Accurate Energetic Systems released a public statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and gratitude to emergency personnel:
“At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning, there was a tragic accident at our facility. Emergency response teams and investigative agencies remain on scene, and the situation is under active investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident. We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions. We will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.”
Rescuers were initially forced to delay their search due to dangerous conditions, including burning debris and the risk of secondary explosions. Those hazards have since been contained, and officials now describe the site as secure but unstable.
Sheriff Davis reiterated that the investigation will be lengthy and complex, citing the extent of the devastation and the hazardous nature of the materials involved.
“This is going to take time,” he said. “We’re committed to finding answers for the families and ensuring something like this never happens again.”
Officials have stressed that public safety remains a top priority as recovery and investigative operations continue over the coming days.
Authorities have confirmed that both Cortney Bartholomew and Brad Bartholomew were detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of 22-year-old Rebecca Kay Park.
Investigators removed multiple items from the residence as potential evidence, including vehicles.
At this time, officials have not confirmed whether either individual has been formally charged.
Rebecca was last seen on the night of November 3 near her mother’s residence in Boon Township, Michigan.
Early reports suggested she was observed entering a dark-colored vehicle; however, her mother, Cortney, reportedly provided conflicting descriptions regarding the vehicle.
Cortney is believed to be the last person to have seen Rebecca alive.
Following Rebecca’s disappearance, Cortney sent a series of urgent text messages to Richard Lee Falor—Rebecca’s fiancé, the father of her unborn child, and Cortney’s former partner.
Despite having limited recent communication, the messages appeared frantic and included statements such as:
- “Call me back asap”
- “Rich it’s Cortney call me back”
- “Dude call me”
- “Ur ole lady took off with some dude in a black car”
In the days after she went missing, Rebecca’s cellphone was located on a nearby roadway.
The phone was reportedly recovered by Cortney herself, a detail that has contributed to public speculation due to reported inconsistencies and unanswered questions surrounding the case.
Public records and online discussions also reference prior criminal histories involving both Cortney and Falor, including offenses related to sexual assault.
Law enforcement has not confirmed whether those past cases have any direct relevance to the current investigation.
After 21 days missing, Rebecca was tragically located deceased. Her body was found by her father during a search effort, approximately 15 feet off the roadway and not far from where she was last seen.
Early findings suggest her body may have been dragged to the location. Rebecca was nine months pregnant at the time of her death.
Authorities confirmed the infant was not found with her, and information regarding the baby’s whereabouts remains undisclosed.
Following the discovery of her body, both Rebecca’s sister, Kimberly Park, and her fiancé, Richard Falor, were taken into custody.
Kimberly Park has been formally charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Tampering with evidence in a criminal case
- Making false statements to law enforcement during a violent-crime investigation
- Filing a false felony report
Falor was also arrested and is currently facing drug-related charges.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Additional updates are expected as forensic analysis, autopsy results, and collected evidence are processed.
Law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.