The small communities of Hickman and Humphreys Counties in rural Tennessee are reeling after the names of the 16 victims of the Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) explosion in Bucksnort were publicly released on October 13, 2025. The deadly blast, which occurred on October 10, has left families shattered, neighbors grieving, and the entire region grappling with the loss of friends, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives spanned generations and backgrounds.
Authorities revealed the names of the victims during a noon press briefing outside the gates of the AES facility, a moment that was both solemn and gut-wrenching for the tight-knit community. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis and Hickman County Sheriff Jason Craft alternated reading the names, underscoring the personal connections many officials had with those lost. Sheriff Davis, who counted one of the victims as a neighbor and close friend, said, “It’s just a small county in rural America where everybody knows each other and everyone is going to take care of each other,” according to WSMV.
The victims represented a cross-section of the region’s workforce and community life. Jason Adams had marked 30 years at AES just last December, a testament to his commitment and longevity with the company, as highlighted by a 2024 Facebook post from AES. Billy Baker, who joined the company in 2006, was a departments manager, and his LinkedIn page reflected his years of leadership. Erick Anderson, a relative newcomer, had worked at AES since June 2021, while Christopher Clark joined in July 2020. Each had become part of the fabric of the plant’s operations.
Others, like Adam Boatman, were at the beginning of their adult lives. A graduate of McEwen High School, Boatman is survived by his twin brother, Ben, who now faces a future without his “absolute other half,” as described in social media tributes. Rachel Woodall, who affectionately called herself “Rayray” on Facebook, had started at AES just over a month before the tragedy. She was a 2016 graduate of McEwen High School, loved art and the scenery of her small town, and was just beginning to carve out her place in the world.
The explosion also claimed the life of Mindy Clifton, who had moved to Tennessee after retiring from a career in corrections in Florida. Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart remembered her as “one of the very best” he had worked with, noting that Clifton took the job at the munitions plant as part of her “post-retirement” life. James Cook, who started at AES in 2010 and lived in McEwen, was another long-serving employee, while Jeremy Moore, who joined in 2008, also called McEwen home.
LaTeisha Mays, just 26 years old, had been with AES for eight months. Her family described her as “the glue to our family” and “amazing,” as reported by WSMV. Her twin sister, LaKeisha, visited the facility hoping for any sign of LaTeisha, refusing to give up hope. “She’s waiting for somebody to get her. She’s waiting for someone to get her and put her in our arms. That’s exactly what we are going to keep saying,” LaKeisha told WSMV, her words echoing the agony and hope felt by so many families.
Reyna Gillahan’s son, Marco, spoke to WSMV about his mother’s dedication, saying she was “a hard worker who sacrificed for her family, with her primary goal being to pay off the family home.” Such stories illustrate the everyday heroism and aspirations of those lost in the disaster.
Other victims, like Melissa Stanford, who became a production supervisor at AES in September 2018, and Donald Yowell, who held a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and had joined AES after leading operations at Innophos, brought a wealth of experience to their roles. Trenton Stewart, who was weeks away from his wedding after proposing to his fiancé in December 2024, also served as a pastor at The Log Church in Waverly and was a firefighter with the Waverly Department of Public Safety – Police & Fire. His multifaceted service to the community made his loss especially poignant.
The full list of victims also included Christopher Clark, Melinda Rainey, Steven Wright, and Melissa Stafford. As of October 13, The Tennessean reported that details about Steven Wright and Melinda Rainey were still being sought, highlighting the ongoing challenges in identifying remains and notifying families.
Officials were quick to caution that the release of names did not mean all remains had been identified. Sheriff Davis explained during the Monday press conference that investigators were moving “at a snail’s pace” through the blast area, carefully clearing any remaining explosive devices before recovery teams could proceed. “We are still in the process of collecting samples and are in the process of trying to make confirmations so we can start talking with families individually,” Davis said, as reported by WSMV.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is assisting with advanced DNA technology to help identify remains, a process that has proven painstaking and slow. The scene is under continuous examination by deputies from both the Humphreys and Hickman County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is coordinating state and local resources to support the ongoing response and recovery.
In the initial aftermath, 19 people were reported missing. In the days that followed, that number was revised to 16, as one individual believed missing was found alive on the night of October 10, and two more employees were located alive the following day. Four people were injured in areas not directly near the destroyed building during the initial explosion, further underscoring the scale of the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the community has rallied to support the affected families. A GoFundMe campaign was established to provide assistance, with $3,410 raised toward a $25,000 goal as of the evening of October 13. The fundraiser’s organizers emphasized that all donated funds would be locked until a verified nonprofit could be established to distribute the money securely and fairly, working in conjunction with local officials.
Families are still seeking answers and closure. Ernest Mays, the father of LaTeisha and LaKeisha, voiced the frustration of many, saying they’re struggling to understand how such a tragedy could happen. The next official update on the investigation is scheduled for the evening of October 15, as authorities continue their meticulous work and the community waits for resolution.
In Bucksnort and beyond, the pain is raw and the questions are many. Yet, amid the devastation, the resilience and solidarity of this rural community shine through. Each victim’s story is a reminder of lives lived with purpose, love, and connection—a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.