Names released as identification process continues from Tenn. explosion

HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) – The Humphreys County and Hickman County sheriff’s offices have released names of those who are believed to be dead as a result of a devastating explosion at a Tennessee plant.

WTVF reports the explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems on Friday.

The release of the names does not indicate that all remains have been identified, as identification efforts remain ongoing as of Monday.

The names of those identified include the following, according to Humphreys County sheriff Chris Davis and Hickman County sheriff Jason Craft:

• Jason Adams
• Erick Anderson
• Billy Baker
• Adam Boatman
• Christopher Clark
• Mindy Clifton
• James Cook
• Reyna Gillahan
• LaTeisha Mays
• Jeremy Moore
• Melinda Rainey
• Melissa Stafford
• Trenton Stewart
• Rachel Woodall
• Steven Wright
• Donald Yowell

Davis says these are the names of the 16 lives lost.

“We still have a lot of activity inside the scene” Davis says. “We have a strong operational plan and are moving forward, but we are proceeding slowly and methodically. We are still collecting samples and in the process of trying to make confirmations so we can begin speaking with families individually.”

Davis asked that any questions be avoided about the victims.

Craft says, “There is a lot of misinformation out there. The sheriff, our team and everyone here are providing information to the appropriate people as it comes up.”

Davis has confirmed they have spoken with the families as a group and have assured families they are doing everything they can.

“As we stand up there, we start looking at everyone that’s in the room,” Davis says. “My neighbor, her husband is one of these victims, and a good friend are among the victims, one of my best friends. We are approaching this investigation the same way we would any other call. We have one opportunity to process the scene correctly. If this is an accident, we owe it to everyone to prove that. If it is something else, we must be methodical and thorough in our work.”