NFL player’s father dies, home destroyed in explosion, officials say

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - One person was killed and another was injured after a home owned by NFL player Caleb Farley exploded and collapsed overnight in Mooresville.

Crews were called for the reported explosion at Barber Loop in Mooresville, according to Iredell County Emergency Management.

When first responders arrived, one person was leaving the house and then taken to Atrium Main in Charlotte for non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. WBTV reports the person is awake and alert at the hospital.

The victim, identified as Robert Farley, Caleb Farley’s father, was recovered after a search of the debris, the county’s emergency management said.

A search of Iredell County property records shows this is a 1.67-acre property and a 6,500-square-foot home valued at $3 million that was just sold last year. It is owned by Caleb Farley, a native of Maiden, North Carolina, who plays for the Tennessee Titans.

Farley was seen by a WBTV crew on the property shortly before 12 p.m. Tuesday with family members.

The 6,391-square-foot home was a total loss, along with several vehicles, first responders said.

Dominion Energy said crews responded to an emergency after an explosion was reported at a customer’s residence.

“We are investigating the explosion in coordination with emergency personnel. Our prayers and sympathy are with the individuals impacted by this difficult event,” a Dominion Energy statement read in part.

Debris such as wood and insulation is strewn about the property, while the road near where the home once stood is filled with glass. A car in the driveway is covered in rubble.

Neighbors said they’re grappling with the news of the tragedy that claimed the life of one person and put another in the hospital.

“It was like Armageddon. There was insulation coming out of the air like snow, bricks down the street hundreds of feet away, pieces of wood,” neighbor Pete Schuerger said. “Pretty devastating to see that big explosion.”

People in the quiet lakeside neighborhood were jolted awake just before midnight Monday.

“It was just a massive explosion; about five of midnight last night and it just sounded like ten times a thunder and lightning storm,” neighbor Clay Wild said.

The once multi-million-dollar home is now leveled. Where there was once a bedroom, there is now just a mattress resting against a tree in a sea of debris.

“I was so upset. I just wondered if someone was hurt. It’s awful. I can’t even believe it,” neighbor Laura Wild said.

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