Father of Titans' Caleb Farley dead after house explosion

Publish date: 2024-08-27

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The father of Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley died late Monday when the NFL player’s $3 million home exploded in Mooresville, N.C. shortly before midnight.

Queen City News reported the identity of the deceased victim is that of Robert Matthews Farley, whose body was found in the debris on Tuesday morning, according to Kent Greene, director of Iredell County Fire Services and Emergency Management.

The 61-year-old was said to be staying at the home at the time of the explosion.

WSOC was the first to report Farley was the football player’s father.

Caleb Farley was not a victim of the blast, though it is unclear if he was at home when it happened.

Multiple reports have him visiting the site Tuesday and talking with authorities.

First responders arrived at the house a few minutes after midnight Tuesday and found Christian Rogers, 25, exiting the collapsed structure, Greene said.

An aerial view shows the aftermath devastation of Caleb Farley’s $3 million home in Mooresville, N.C. ABC11.com

Rogers, described by Greene as a friend of the family, was transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte with a concussion.

He is awake and alert, Greene said, but has not yet been discharged.

Caleb Farley, pictured at the scene on Tuesday, talked with investigators following the explosion. AP
People stand near the remains of the $3million home on Lake Norman on Tuesday. AP
Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley AP

The cause of the explosion is under investigation, but Greene said gas must have accumulated over a long period and likely found its way to an ignition source.

The blast, which local authorities have ruled accidental, originated in a bedroom and did not damage any surrounding homes.

The house is on a large plot of land near Lake Norman, about 28 miles (45 kilometers) north of Charlotte. County property records list the tax value of the home as nearly $2 million.

The home owned by Titans cornerback Caleb Farley exploded Monday night, killing his father. AP

Neighbors told reporters they smelled gas and heard a “loud explosion” shortly before 12 a.m.

Queen City News reports the cause is under investigation but “there is no evidence of foul play.”

According to TMZ: “The current focus of the probe is centering around the home’s natural gas lines.”

Neighbors reported smelling gas at the time of the explosion. AP

In the front yard Tuesday, insulation hung from the trees, and a king-size mattress and broken coffee mug saying “Virginia Tech dad” lie on the lawn. Wood debris and window frames were blown at least 50 yards (45 meters) from the blast.

“There could not be anyone in it left alive — that was my first thought,” Greene said. “And when I found out someone did walk out of it, I was amazed. This was a 6,300-square-foot home, and there’s nothing left but maybe a part of the garage.”

Caleb Farley’s home before the explosion. Google Maps

The 6,391-square-foot home and several surrounding vehicles were destroyed and beyond repair.

The Titans selected Farley in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at No. 22 overall.

He played in 12 games over his first two NFL seasons, collecting 14 tackles.

A vehicle is seen under rubble of the home. AP
Queen City News reported the identity of the deceased victim is that of Robert Matthews Farley, whose body was found in the debris. ABC11.com

Tennessee placed Farley on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list last month when training camp opened.

Farley ended last season on injured reserve with a back injury.

— with AP

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