Heartbroken congregation fills Tennessee church after munitions plant explosion claims beloved pastor's life
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The fiancée of a pastor, tragically identified as one of the casualties in the recent Tennessee munitions plant explosion, shared that his church experienced an overwhelming turnout for a prayer gathering this week.

Trent Stewart, who served as the pastor at The Log Church in Waverly, had his Sunday school and worship services replaced by a dedicated prayer session in the sanctuary. This change was announced by the church’s associate pastor, Charlie Musick, via social media.

Authorities from Humphreys and Hickman counties confirmed on Monday that Stewart was among the 16 individuals who lost their lives in the explosion on Friday at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant near Bucksnort, approximately 50 miles from Nashville.

“We had a full house at The Log Church this morning, which I know would have delighted Trent,” wrote his fiancée, Katy Stover, on Facebook. “We are grateful to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you all again next Sunday. It was heartwarming and brought tears to my eyes to witness how many people came to honor Trent and the other families affected.”

OFFICIALS CONFIRM NO SURVIVORS FOUND AT TENNESSEE PLANT EXPLOSION SITE AS ATF DEPLOYS SPECIALIZED TEAM

People embrace at vigil for victims of Tennessee plant explosion

Christina Williams, right, hugs Tracy Cook during a candlelight vigil honoring the victims of a blast at an explosives plant, Accurate Energetic Systems, on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Waverly, Tenn.  (George Walker IV/AP)

In another post, Stover said, “Trent was the most amazing man I have ever met.” 

“He loved the Lord with all he had, and it showed in him every day. Regardless of anything legal, this man was my husband. I don’t need a piece of paper to tell me anything,” she added. “We treated each other as if we were already married. I know he would’ve been an amazing father. I find peace and strength in the fact that I know he loved me, and I know he is dancing with Jesus.” 

Rachel Woodall, victim in Accurate Energetic Systems plant explosion

Rachel Woodall was identified as one of the victims in the Tennessee manufacturing plant explosion. On a Facebook page purportedly belonging to her, she wrote, “I live in a small town, love art (drawing and painting) and scenery.” (Facebook/Rachel Woodall)

Reyna Gillahan, another victim, had dreamed of paying off her home and keeping it in the family, so her daughter, Rosalina Gillahan, began fundraising after the explosion, according to The Associated Press. It was one of several fundraisers for families who lost loved ones. 

“She was a beautiful soul — loving, strong, and always thinking of others before herself,” Rosalina Gillahan posted on social media about her mother. 

The other victims were identified as Jason Adams, Billy Baker, Christopher Clark, James Cook, LaTeisha Mays, Melinda Rainey, Steven Wright, Erick Anderson, Adam Boatman, Mindy Clifton, Jeremy Moore, Melissa Stafford, Rachel Woodall and Donald Yowell. 

TENNESSEE MANUFACTURING PLANT EXPLOSION LEAVES MULTIPLE PEOPLE DEAD 

People hold candles during vigil for Tennessee plant explosion victims

People attend a candlelight vigil at the Humphreys County Courthouse honoring the victims of a blast at the Accurate Energetic Systems plant on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Waverly, Tenn.  (George Walker IV/AP)

The WellSpring Christian Church in Spring Hill said Yowell, his wife and son were members long “before moving to Waverly a few years ago.” 

“Don, a chemist, took a job at the facility that was the site of [Friday’s] devastating explosion in Hickman County,” the church added, asking for prayers for Yowell’s family. 

Matt Reinhart wrote on Facebook that victim Mindy Clifton used to work in corrections in Florida before moving to Tennessee. 

Tennessee Manufacturing Plant Explosion scene

Debris covers the ground and vehicles after a powerful blast ripped through an explosives manufacturing plant in Hickman County, Tenn., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.   (WTVF-TV via AP)

“During my 30-year career in Corrections, I had the privilege of working with many outstanding individuals. One of the very best was Mindy Clifton,” he wrote. “After dedicating over 20 years of service to our community, Mindy retired and moved to the beautiful state of Tennessee. In her post-retirement life, she took a position at a munitions plant.” 

“Many of you have already heard the tragic news about the devastating accident at that facility — an incident that claimed the lives of 16 people. Sadly, one of those lost was our Mindy,” Reinhart added. 

The explosion took place at Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County.

The explosion took place at Accurate Energetic Systems in Hickman County.  (WTVF)

Authorities said they are working to clear the area of hazards, including explosives, in the wake of the explosion.

Once the area is clear, authorities can start investigating what caused the blast, said Matthew Belew, acting special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Some of the relevant evidence is spread out over miles, according to Belew. 

“It’s almost like putting a puzzle back together,” Belew said. “We have worked closely with AES to know to look at pictures, look at blueprints, any of the identifying things that were in the building. And then we slowly methodically start to put some of that stuff together.” 

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