HARDIN – An outpouring of love and support continues for the two workers seriously injured in the Silver Trails Distillery blast last month. After suffering burns over 86 percent of his body, Assistant Distiller Kyle Rogers succumbed to his wounds just two weeks after being injured, while Jay Rogers has beat the odds and continues to heal despite his severe burns which covered more than 80 percent of his body.
While several fundraisers have been held around the state, on Saturday, a regional fundraising event sponsored by the Western Kentucky Trail-riders took off in Drakesboro with numerous local residents participating in the ATV ride that spanned beautiful Gregory Lake ATV Park.
The benefit featured a meal and concert where local artist Kalib Swift previewed a song he wrote specifically for Silver Trails Distillery. The event raised more than $1,100 to help the families with medical expenses.
This week also brought a new announcement from Master Distiller Emeritus Spencer Balentine, as he made it official that Jay has been named Master Distiller with Kyle Rogers being posthumously named Silver Trail Distillery Second Distiller.
“As soon as Jay gets back we are planning a “Kyle D. Rogers Single Barrel” special limited edition to be released next April along with a “Kyle D. Rogers American Moonshine Legend” shirt with all proceeds going to his scholarship fund,” Balentine reports as photos from the hospital indicate Jay is gaining strength each and every day.
In loving remembrance this week of Kyle, Balentine writes, “We love and miss you brother and as long as the LBL flag waves you will always be remembered.” We will update as soon as more information is available regarding fundraising events for the scholarship fund.
A lawsuit has been filed against the still manufacturer which is blamed for the massive equipment failure that caused the blast on April 24.
