On a Wednesday morning that was supposed to be filled with the excitement of new beginnings, tragedy struck outside the Lawerance Joel Veteran Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As Wake Forest University students and their families bustled about for move-in day on August 20, 2025, a sudden explosion shattered the routine. The source: the Given Coffee Truck, a familiar fixture in the community and a symbol of warmth for many. In an instant, four employees were left with severe burns, their lives changed in ways no one could have anticipated.
According to FOX8, the explosion occurred as the Given Coffee Truck was serving near the coliseum on University Parkway, right in the heart of the student check-in rush. The Winston-Salem Police Department confirmed that all four victims were employees of the coffee truck, and each was transported to the hospital for treatment. Among them was Charles Myers, a name that quickly became the center of community concern and compassion.
Charles Myers isn’t just a coffee shop worker. As photographer Noah Overby shared with FOX8, Myers is the kind of person who quietly anchors a community. “We lead a small group together. One of the best guys you’ll ever meet. He’ll give you the shirt off his back. He’s there for everybody,” Overby said, his words carrying the weight of genuine friendship and admiration. Myers has long been a familiar face at Given Coffee Co., which operates out of HopeCity church, and his presence is synonymous with kindness and generosity. “He’s been heading up the coffee shop here for quite some time. Everybody who comes here knows you’re going to be greeted with warmth and compassion,” Overby added.
As news of the explosion spread, so too did the community’s desire to help. The immediate aftermath was filled with uncertainty, but Overby was quick to act, organizing a fundraiser to support the families affected by the blast. The event, scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, at HopeCity church, offers family mini photo sessions from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The cost is $50 per family, and, in a gesture of pure goodwill, every cent will go directly to those impacted by the tragedy. “That’s why I came up with the fundraiser. Initially, it was the best thing I could do to give back to the community, but also gives back to those families who need it the most right now. Everybody has been reaching out from all corners of the community and we’re very thankful for it,” Overby explained to FOX8.
The explosion itself, as determined by the Winston-Salem Fire Department, was caused by an interior liquid propane gas leak. The leak was unintentionally ignited by equipment operating inside the truck, leading to the devastating blast. Investigators have not indicated any foul play, instead pointing to an unfortunate accident that underscores the risks faced by mobile food vendors. Propane, commonly used in food trucks for cooking and heating, is both efficient and—if not properly maintained—dangerous. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety checks and maintenance in such operations.
For the victims and their families, the path forward is daunting. Recovery from burn injuries is never straightforward; it’s a journey marked by pain, uncertainty, and the need for ongoing support, both medical and emotional. Overby was candid about the challenges ahead: “Everybody is recovering. Everybody is doing better, day in and day out. We’re very thankful for that. God is working through that, undeniably. It’s going to be a long road ahead, and they’re going to need that constant support.” His words echo the sentiments of many in the Winston-Salem community, who have rallied together in the wake of the disaster.
The role of HopeCity church in this story is more than just a backdrop. It’s a hub of connection, a place where people come not just for coffee but for community. Myers’s work at Given Coffee Co. has made him a beloved figure, and the outpouring of support speaks volumes about the relationships formed there. The fundraiser is more than a financial gesture; it’s a testament to the bonds forged over countless cups of coffee and shared moments.
In times of crisis, communities often reveal their true character. Winston-Salem has shown itself to be a place where compassion and action go hand in hand. The response to the explosion has been swift and heartfelt, with neighbors, friends, and even strangers stepping up to offer help. Overby’s initiative, in particular, highlights the creative ways people can contribute—using his skills as a photographer not just to capture memories, but to make a tangible difference for those in need.
While the immediate focus is on recovery and support, the incident also raises broader questions about safety standards for food trucks and mobile vendors. Propane-related accidents, though rare, can have catastrophic consequences. Industry experts and local officials may well use this event as a catalyst for reviewing safety protocols, ensuring that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. Regular inspections, staff training, and proper equipment maintenance are all critical components of a safe operation—lessons that resonate far beyond Winston-Salem.
For now, though, the attention remains on the victims and their families. The road to healing is long, but the community’s commitment is unwavering. As Saturday’s fundraiser approaches, there’s a sense of hope mingled with the lingering shock of what happened. The event is expected to draw people from across the city, each eager to do their part, however small, to help those who have given so much to others.
Stories like these remind us of the fragility of life and the power of human connection. In the face of sudden tragedy, Winston-Salem has responded not with despair, but with determination and love. As Charles Myers and his fellow employees continue their recovery, they do so buoyed by the support of a grateful and caring community—one that refuses to let them face the journey alone.
