ESPN REPORT: LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION: Tennessee Titans Star player fears the worst as life threatening injury.
Authorities said that a large explosion occurred early on Tuesday at the North Carolina home of NFL star Caleb Farley, killing his father.
Robert Farley, 61, was discovered dead by first responders who combed through the wreckage of the expensive home.
When the explosion occurred, the cornerback for the Tennessee Titans was away from home.
The natural gas lines on the property are the main focus of the investigation; no suspicious activity is suspected.
According to a statement issued by Iredell County, Christian Rogers, 25, a family friend who was also present at the residence, was admitted to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The 6,300 square foot (585 square meter) lakefront property in the Mooresville, Charlotte, suburb was completely destroyed, along with all of the cars that were parked outside.
According to Kent Greene, the director of fire services and emergency management for Iredell County, “there’s a lot of devastation,” as reported by the Tennesseean. “There’s nothing left of this structure except a partial wall.”
Following the explosion on Tuesday morning, Mr. Farley, 24, was observed on the scene chatting with authorities.
The local news organization Queen City News was informed by the neighbors that they had heard the explosion and smelled gas.
“About five minutes before midnight, there was a loud boom,” reported neighbor Clay Wild. “I can’t believe it.”
Before enrolling at Virginia Tech to play American football, Caleb Farley was raised in the neighboring town of Maiden, North Carolina. Later, in the 2021 draft, he was selected with the 22nd overall pick.
Following practice on Tuesday, Titans coach Mike Vrabel gathered the players, and they knelt to pray for Mr. Farley.
“What’s most important is that we do everything we can to support him emotionally,” said Vrabel. It’s startling. Our attention must be directed toward Caleb, his family, and finding ways to assist him.”
According to Sports Illustrated, Mr. Farley lost his mother to breast cancer in 2018.
Teammate Kevin Byard stated, “I know he lost his mother at a young age as well.”
“He’s faced numerous challenges. It’s quite tragic. It’s a tragedy beyond comprehension.”