Sad news today from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association: One of the two workers who were badly injured in an explosion that leveled Silver Trail Distillery in Hardin, Ky., on April 24 has died. The KDA released this statement from the family of assistant Kyle Rogers:
“We are deeply saddened to report that our son, Kyle, passed away last evening. And yet, we take solace in the fact that he is in God’s comforting hands and is being greeted by cherished loved ones. We know Kyle is at peace and free of the pain from the last two weeks. We cannot begin to express our thanks for the wonderful and caring medical team at Vanderbilt Hospital and the tremendous outpouring of support from friends and loved ones, especially the family of Jay Rogers who have stood by our side and shared in our prayers. We also would like to thank Spencer Balentine and all of Kyle’s colleagues at Silver Trail Distillery. Kyle took so much pride in being a moonshiner, and we are grateful that he was able to work in a profession that he loved so much. It is now our turn to pray for all those who knew and loved Kyle, and to show our thanks through God that we were blessed to call him son, brother and friend for 27 years. He will be with us always.”
— Rhonda, Don and Allison Rogers
Second distiller Jay Rogers, 47 (Kyle’s cousin), is in critical but stable condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
The KDA established a fund to help the victims’ and their families. Contributions to the “Lifting Spirits – Jay & Kyle Rogers Support Fund” at CFSB Bank in Benton, Ky., can be mailed to P.O. Box 467, Benton, Ky., 42025. You can also donate online at www.kybourbon.com.
