A tight-knit community in Fremont, Nebraska, is reeling from the tragic loss of two young sisters and their father following a catastrophic explosion at the Horizon Biofuels plant on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The victims have been identified by family and friends as 8-year-old Fayeah Danielson, 12-year-old Hayven Danielson, and their father, 32-year-old Dylan D. Danielson of Columbus, Nebraska.
The explosion, which state investigators have determined was an accident caused by a dust fire, tore through the Horizon Biofuels facility just before noon, causing severe structural damage and igniting a fire that smoldered for over 24 hours. Emergency crews faced significant challenges due to the unstable wreckage, with mangled steel and a collapsed structure hindering rescue efforts. Dylan Danielson’s body was recovered around noon on Wednesday, July 30, approximately 24 hours after the blast. The bodies of his daughters, Fayeah and Hayven, were found later that night, marking a heartbreaking end to the search.
**Remembering Hayven and Fayeah
The Fremont community and beyond are grieving the loss of two vibrant young girls whose bright personalities left an indelible mark on those who knew them.
Hayven Danielson, 12, was a student at Wahoo Public Schools and a member of the Wahoo Kids Wrestling Club. Described as a “beautiful, goofy, caring, and bright ray of sunshine,” Hayven’s strength and infectious smile touched the lives of her family, friends, and teammates. “She will always be a bright ray of sunshine who gained her angel wings too soon,” reads a tribute on a GoFundMe page created to support her family. The Wahoo community has rallied around her memory, with grief counselors made available to students and staff to help process the tragedy.
Fayeah Danielson, 8, was a student at Shelby-Rising City Schools, known for her bubbly personality and radiant smile that could “brighten even the darkest days.” A proud Swiftie, devoted sister, and creative soul, Fayeah loved fashion, crafts, and art, with a particular fondness for the Disney character Stitch. Her aunt, Brittany Swires, shared fond memories of teaching Fayeah to play Fortnite, noting her excitement with every win, and recalled a recent fishing trip with her stepfather, Dylan Tschantre, where she proudly caught the largest carp of her life. A GoFundMe campaign for Fayeah’s family celebrates her as a child whose vibrant spirit lit up every room she entered.
**The Father’s Legacy
Dylan D. Danielson, a dedicated employee at Horizon Biofuels, was a loving father whose devotion to his daughters was evident to all who knew him. He was at the plant with Hayven and Fayeah, who were waiting for him to finish work for a doctor’s appointment when the explosion occurred. The loss of Dylan, alongside his two daughters, has left the community in shock, as neighbors and friends remember his commitment to his family and his warm presence.
**Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of this devastating tragedy, the Fremont community has come together to support the grieving families. GoFundMe campaigns have been established to help cover funeral expenses, counseling, and other needs as the families navigate their profound loss. The outpouring of donations and messages of condolence reflect the deep impact the Danielson family had on those around them.
Links to contribute:
– Donate to Hayven’s family: [GoFundMe link]
– Donate to Fayeah’s family: [GoFundMe link]
Local schools, including Wahoo Public Schools and Shelby-Rising City Schools, have provided grief counseling to support students and staff. The Wahoo Kids Wrestling Club shared a heartfelt message, extending condolences to Hayven’s family and teammates, emphasizing her lasting impact. Vigils and memorials are being organized to honor the lives of Dylan, Hayven, and Fayeah, offering a space for the community to come together in their grief.
**Safety and Investigation
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded its preliminary investigation, determining that the explosion was caused by an accidental dust fire during the manufacturing process at Horizon Biofuels, which produces wood pellets and animal bedding under the name Elkhorn Valley Animal Bedding. The facility, one of three commercial pellet plants in Nebraska, recycles waste wood and has a capacity to produce 20,000 short tons of pellets annually. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is conducting a further investigation, which must be completed within six months, to examine safety protocols and the circumstances leading to the incident.
Historical records indicate that Horizon Biofuels faced safety challenges in the past, including a 2014 fire that damaged the electrical system and OSHA citations in 2012 for serious violations related to wood dust accumulation and inadequate hazard training. Earlier this year, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy investigated an air quality complaint regarding wood dust beyond the property line. These findings have raised questions about the risks associated with wood pellet manufacturing, where combustible dust can pose significant fire and explosion hazards.
**A Community United in Grief
As Fremont and surrounding communities mourn, the legacy of Dylan, Hayven, and Fayeah remains a source of inspiration and unity. The community’s response—through donations, shared memories, and collective support—underscores the strength and compassion of Nebraska’s residents. Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg expressed the town’s collective sorrow, stating, “My heart hurts. It’s a tragedy. We pray for all the families involved.”
The words of loved ones echo through the community: “Though their time with us was far too brief, their light will continue to shine through the love and memories they left behind.” As the families of Hayven and Fayeah begin their journey toward healing, the Fremont community stands by their side, offering unwavering support in the face of unimaginable loss.
For those wishing to contribute, donations to the GoFundMe campaigns for Hayven and Fayeah’s families are a meaningful way to provide support during this difficult time.
