HARDIN – Two weeks after a massive equipment failure caused an explosion at the Silver Trails Distillery in Hardin, two employees are still battling critical injuries.
Master Distiller Jay Rogers and his cousin Kyle Rogers, an assistant distiller, were both in the distillery at the time of the explosion and suffered burns over the majority of their bodies. An update from Silver Trails Museum Manger Amanda Powell at the two-week mark indicates their recovery “will take months if not years.”
According to Caring Bridge updates on Kyle, in addition to suffering burns he has been fighting a bacterial infection in his bloodstream and endured a surgery on April 30 which resulted in the loss of his foot. Powell said the outpouring of love and caring locally and from all over the world “has been truly humbling and very much appreciated.”
Numerous fund-raisers have been launched in the wake of the tragedy in an effort to help support the Rogers families. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has established the ‘Lifting Spirits’ fund to help families of Jay and Kyle with any medical or necessary expenses.
Contributions to this fund can be made by going to https://kybourbon.com/lifting-spirits-jay-kyle-rogers-support-fund/ or can be sent to or dropped off at any CFSB branch care of the “Lifting Spirits” fund. Mailed donations can be sent to CFSB Bank, P.O. Box 467 in Benton, Ky., 42025.
Among the many fundraisers established is one in Marshall County, scheduled for tonight at the Aurora Ross Fire Department. The Auxiliary will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner with bread sticks, salad and tea, lemonade or coffee with dessert. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. For more information, contact Audrey Boyan at 270-906-5515.
The Murray Auto Spa will also be donating 20 percent of its sales on Thursday, May 14, from open until close, 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.
On June 6th, the Western Kentucky Trail Riders will host the “Benefit Ride for Jay and Kyle Rogers” at Gregory Lake ATV Park, Drakesboro. The cost is $20 per ATV band, with half of all proceeds going to benefit the families.
The ride starts at 10 a.m. with lunch served by The Oasis Southwest Grill. A percentage of those sales will also go to benefit the family.
The ride begins again at 2 p.m., running until 4 p.m. 50/50 raffle tickets will be sold with half going to the families. For any questions, call 270-963-1976 or 270-704-1668.