Houseboat Dream Turns to Nightmare: Colby Neitz Recovering After Explosion on The Silver Flying Eagle

CARROLL COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI — What began as a dream-come-true for Colby Neitz turned into a tragic accident Friday night, May 23, when an unexpected flash explosion aboard his beloved houseboat, The Silver Flying Eagle, left him with severe burns covering over 40% of his body.

The explosion occurred around 9:15 p.m., as Colby and his longtime partner, Faith Taylor, were preparing to close out what had been a monumental day in their houseboat journey. Just hours earlier, they had successfully launched The Silver Flying Eagle—a vessel Colby inherited from his late grandfather, lovingly known as Papaw Booker. For the past year, Colby and Faith had poured their hearts and free time into restoring the vintage houseboat, determined to bring it back to life.

Their days off were often spent in a quiet field, tools in hand, with sack lunches and shared dreams. Faith was by Colby’s side every step of the way—holding lights, passing wrenches, and sharing in the vision for the boat they planned to enjoy for years to come. Friday marked the first official trip on the water. Despite a few hiccups, the couple couldn’t have been more proud.

A Near-Perfect Launch with a Hidden Danger

Excitement filled the air as the houseboat trailer was backed into the water and The Silver Flying Eagle floated proudly for the first time in years. Most systems seemed to function as intended, except for one critical component: the automatic bilge pump.

Earlier that day, Colby had unknowingly pumped 16 gallons of fuel into the hull instead of the gas tank due to a disconnected fuel line. Realizing the mistake, he and his friends quickly sprang into action, manually pumping the gasoline into 5-gallon buckets until they believed the hull had been cleared. Despite the mishap, Colby and Faith pressed on, hosting a small gathering aboard for their very first houseboat cruise. The evening was filled with laughter, hope, and dreams for a summer full of new memories on the water.

The trip was cut short when the bilge pump continued to malfunction. But even a shortened maiden voyage was enough to spark excitement among friends and family. Everyone was already buzzing about the adventures to come.

The Explosion

But as the night quieted and most had headed home, Colby remained troubled by the thought of gas and water still lingering in the boat’s hull. True to his cautious nature, he insisted on one last inspection. With Colby positioned inside the hull and Faith standing on the deck, a spark from the faulty bilge pump ignited lingering fuel vapors.

In a terrifying instant, the boat was rocked by a flash explosion—a sudden blast that did not result in a fire, but unleashed powerful force. Faith, who suffered singed hair and minor burns, was thrown roughly 10 feet off the boat and into the dark water below. Dazed but conscious, she was later treated at St. Francis for her injuries and released.

Colby, tragically, took the brunt of the explosion. Drenched in gasoline from the earlier cleanup, he was blown from the hull with his clothes igniting in flames. In his own words, he believed he had died. “Momma, I thought I was in hell and I was begging God to please let me go to heaven,” he later recalled from his hospital bed.

Thinking quickly, Colby dropped to the ground and rolled to extinguish the flames, saving his own life.

Road to Recovery

Emergency responders quickly arrived, and Colby was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s burn unit in Jackson. Doctors confirmed he had suffered second- and third-degree burns across more than 40% of his body, including both arms and his upper legs.

On Tuesday, May 27, Colby is scheduled to undergo surgery for the placement of artificial skin on his wounds. His medical team is hopeful, noting his strong spirit, resilience, and remarkable attitude.

“Colby has highly impressed the doctors, nurses, friends, and family with his positive attitude and the amazing strength through all of this,” one family member said.

A Community Rallies Around Him

As Colby continues his treatment, his community is stepping up with an outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones are being encouraged to reach out, check in, and lift up both Colby and Faith during this incredibly difficult time.

Once he is released from the hospital, Colby will be recovering at the home of his father, Joey Neitz—affectionately known as “Big Daddy”—and Kathy. Loved ones are encouraged to visit when possible. “If you’re out and about, go by and check on him. He would love to see y’all,” said a close family friend.

While the road ahead will be long and painful, Colby’s community is confident he’ll meet the challenge with the same determination and heart that fueled every long day working on The Silver Flying Eagle.

This summer may not unfold the way Colby and Faith had imagined—but with their bond, the strength of their community, and Colby’s fighting spirit, their story is far from over.

For those who wish to help:
Support efforts, meal trains, and visitation schedules are being organized by friends and family. Please reach out through Colby’s support page or local community groups for updates and ways to assist.

Colby, you’ve got a whole community behind you. We’re praying for your healing, your strength, and your next chapter—on and off the water.