Colby Neitz Severely Injured in Houseboat Explosion Aboard The Silver Flying Eagle in Carroll County, Mississippi; Faith Taylor Unharmed

CARROLL COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI — A dream turned into a nightmare for 28-year-old Colby Neitz when an explosion aboard his cherished houseboat, The Silver Flying Eagle, left him with severe burns covering over 40% of his body on the night of Friday, May 23, 2025. His longtime partner, Faith Taylor, was present during the incident but escaped unharmed.

A Dream Realized

Colby Neitz had recently acquired The Silver Flying Eagle, a houseboat that had been a family heirloom passed down from his grandfather, Papaw Booker, about a year prior. He had invested significant time and effort into restoring the vessel, aiming to honor his family’s legacy and fulfill a lifelong dream of living on the water.(Facebook)

The Incident

On the evening of May 23, as Colby and Faith were concluding a day of work on the houseboat, an unexpected explosion occurred around 9:15 p.m. The blast resulted in Colby sustaining severe burns, while Faith managed to avoid injury. Emergency services were promptly called to the scene, and Colby was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Medical Response and Recovery

Colby is currently receiving medical care for his injuries. The extent of his burns has necessitated specialized treatment, and he faces a challenging road to recovery. Friends and family have rallied around him, offering support and assistance during this difficult time.

Community Support

The local community has expressed an outpouring of support for Colby and Faith. Neighbors and friends have organized fundraisers and support networks to assist with medical expenses and the rebuilding process. The incident has highlighted the strong communal bonds in Carroll County, with many coming together to aid in Colby’s recovery.

Investigation

Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion. Preliminary reports suggest that a gas leak may have been a contributing factor, but official conclusions have yet to be released. Safety inspections and assessments are ongoing to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Looking Ahead

Despite the tragedy, Colby’s resilience and the unwavering support from Faith and the community offer hope for his recovery. Plans are underway to rebuild The Silver Flying Eagle, symbolizing not just the restoration of a vessel but the enduring spirit of determination and community solidarity.

Note: This article is based on available information as of May 27, 2025. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.

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