Father and Two Young Daughters Killed in Biofuel Plant Blast After Tragic Final Call
A Nebraska family has been left shattered after a devoted father and his two daughters were killed in a devastating explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant in Fremont.
On July 29, 32-year-old Dylan Danielson was working at the facility when his daughters, Hayven (12) and Fayeah (8), stopped by before heading to a doctor’s appointment. While they waited for him to finish his shift, disaster struck.
A Day That Turned Into Tragedy
Authorities say a dust fire inside the plant triggered a violent blast, which caused sections of the building to collapse. Despite desperate rescue efforts, Dylan and his little girls were trapped inside and did not survive. Their remains were later recovered—Dylan’s body found a day after the explosion, while Hayven and Fayeah were located that same night.
A Father’s Last Words
In a heartbreaking revelation, family members shared that Dylan managed to place one final call to his wife after the collapse.
“Right after the building came down, he was pinned inside,” recalled Robby Baker, Hayven’s stepfather, speaking to KMTV News. “He told his wife where the girls were, begging someone to get them out. He said fire was all around him. His words were, ‘Our lives are in there. We need to get them out.’”
Remembering Hayven and Fayeah
Tributes poured in online as loved ones remembered the girls’ bright spirits.
On a GoFundMe page, Hayven was described as “a beautiful, goofy, caring, and radiant soul who left this world far too soon. She will forever be our sunshine.”
Fayeah’s family wrote lovingly of her bubbly energy and passions: “She lit up every room with her smile. She adored Taylor Swift, loved fashion and crafts, and always brought joy to those around her.”
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has since opened an official inquiry into what caused the deadly fire and explosion.
“This horrific event should never have occurred,” said CSB Chairperson Steve Owens on August 4. “Our goal is to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.”