In a devastating tragedy that has shaken the Fremont, Nebraska community, a father and his two young daughters lost their lives in a catastrophic explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant.
Dylan Danielson, 32, along with his daughters Hayven, 12, and Fayeah, 8, were at the facility on July 29 when a sudden dust fire triggered a massive blast, causing parts of the building to collapse. The girls had been visiting their father at work ahead of a scheduled doctor’s appointment, according to Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg.
As thick smoke filled the air and flames tore through the structure, emergency crews battled dangerous conditions. Sadly, the family was unable to escape in time. Dylan’s body was recovered roughly 24 hours later, while the bodies of his daughters were found later the same night.
In a heart-wrenching detail shared by family, it was revealed that Dylan managed to make one final phone call to his wife while trapped inside the collapsing building. Robby Baker, Hayven’s stepfather, told KMTV News that Dylan was pinned by debris and surrounded by fire when he called.
“He told her where the girls were and pleaded for someone to get them out,” Baker recounted. “‘Our lives are in there. We need to get them out.’”
Baker also explained that this week had been Dylan’s scheduled time to care for Fayeah. “His boss let him bring them to work. They were just spending time together,” he said.
The loss has left loved ones and the community reeling. Two separate GoFundMe pages have been created to honor Hayven and Fayeah’s memory. Hayven was remembered as “a beautiful, goofy, caring, and bright ray of sunshine who gained her angel wings too soon.”
Fayeah’s tribute described her as “a bubbly personality who lit up every room, a proud Swiftie, devoted sister, great friend, and creative soul with a love for fashion, crafts, and art.”
The Horizon Biofuels plant, which produces animal bedding and wood pellets for heating and cooking, is now the focus of a formal investigation by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said: “This horrific incident should never have happened. We want to prevent a terrible tragedy like this from occurring again.”