Tragic Loss in Wisconsin Plant Explosion: Community Mourns Two Young Sisters and Their Father
HORIZON, Wisconsin — The tight-knit community of Horizon is reeling with grief and disbelief after a devastating explosion at the Horizon Biofuels Plant claimed the lives of three family members, including two young girls whose futures were tragically cut short. Family members have confirmed that 12-year-old Hayven Danielson and her 8-year-old sister, Fayeah Danielson, perished in the accident alongside their father, 32-year-old Dylan Danielson, who was an employee at the plant.
Authorities have determined that the explosion, which rocked the facility late Tuesday afternoon, was the result of a dust fire—a dangerous but often silent hazard in industrial settings where fine combustible particles accumulate. The sudden ignition triggered a catastrophic chain reaction, leveling part of the building and sending a plume of smoke and debris high into the sky.
Emergency crews responded swiftly, but the force of the blast and ensuing fire left little chance for survival in the affected area. Dylan, Hayven, and Fayeah were discovered together amid the wreckage. According to a family spokesperson, the girls had come to visit their father during a scheduled family event organized by the plant—a community day designed to showcase the facility’s commitment to clean energy and local engagement. What was meant to be a day of learning and bonding turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
“They Were Each Other’s Light”
Hayven and Fayeah, described by loved ones as inseparable, were bright, kind, and full of life. Hayven, a middle school student with a love for reading and animals, was known for her gentle spirit and nurturing nature. She often spoke about becoming a veterinarian one day. Fayeah, the youngest of the family, had a fiery personality and an infectious laugh that lit up every room she entered. She loved painting and could often be found creating colorful masterpieces with glitter and glue.
“They were each other’s light,” said their aunt, Marissa Danielson, through tears. “Hayven took care of Fayeah like a second mom, and Fayeah adored her big sister. To lose them both, with their dad, in one moment—there are just no words.”
Dylan Danielson had worked at the Horizon Biofuels Plant for over five years and was well-respected by his colleagues for his work ethic and passion for sustainable energy. Friends say he often spoke about how much he loved being a dad, always eager to share photos and stories of his girls. He had recently been promoted to a supervisory role, a position he had worked tirelessly to achieve.
“Dylan was the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back,” said a longtime friend and co-worker. “He loved those girls more than anything in the world. It’s just unthinkable.”
Investigation Ongoing
The Wisconsin Fire Marshal’s Office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are conducting a full investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that a combustible dust fire—a known risk in biomass processing facilities—ignited due to a buildup of particles in a poorly ventilated area of the plant. Officials have emphasized that while safety protocols were in place, they are now examining whether all regulations were adequately followed and whether more could have been done to prevent the disaster.
“This was an avoidable tragedy,” said one official familiar with the inspection process. “Dust fires are notoriously dangerous, but they’re also preventable. Our goal now is to find out exactly what happened and ensure no family has to suffer a loss like this again.”
A Community in Mourning
Vigils are being held across the Horizon community and neighboring towns. Hundreds gathered Wednesday evening at the girls’ elementary school to light candles, release balloons, and comfort one another. Teachers remembered Hayven as a “natural leader” and Fayeah as “a burst of sunshine who brought laughter to everyone.”
A GoFundMe page established by family friends to help cover funeral expenses and support the grieving relatives has already surpassed $50,000, a testament to the outpouring of love from across the state.
“Our hearts are shattered,” wrote the girls’ grandmother, Janet, on the fundraiser’s page. “We will never understand why this happened, but we are grateful for the love and prayers being sent our way. Hayven and Fayeah deserved so much more time. Dylan deserved to watch them grow.”
Remembering the Danielsons
As investigators sift through the wreckage, the community clings tightly to memories and photos—of school projects, family hikes, birthday cakes, and dance recitals. Though their lives were short, Hayven and Fayeah left behind an imprint of joy, curiosity, and love.
Funeral services for the Danielson family are being planned and are expected to be held in the coming week at Horizon Community Church. The family is requesting privacy as they continue to grieve and navigate the incomprehensible loss.
For those wishing to honor the memory of Hayven, Fayeah, and Dylan, the family encourages donations to organizations supporting child education, industrial safety awareness, and grieving families.
“We don’t want them to be remembered for how they died,” Marissa Danielson said. “We want them to be remembered for how they lived—with open hearts, bright smiles, and a love for each other that was deeper than words.”