Mars Hill Grad Injured in Possible Bomb Explosion

Chandler Watkins, a 2009 Mars Hill Bible School graduate, escaped with minor injuries Saturday afternoon, after assisting in the fueling of the doomed 34-foot cruiser Spirit Lifter. Authorities are investigating the possibility that a planted devise was involved in the explosion.

Minutes before 6:30 p.m., paraplegic Eddie Staggs, accompanied by his girlfriend Stacy Higgins, pulled into Marina Mar near the Shoal Creek Bridge in Eastern Florence. The 18 year-old Watkins, a summer employee of the Marina, assisted the couple in refueling and was standing at the edge of the pier when the boat exploded. All three were hurled into the water and sustained what are listed as only minor injuries.

The force of the explosion was so great that it propelled Staggs' wheelchair onto the bridge where it hit a passing car. Shoal Creek Bridge was closed for several hours while crews cleared the debris from the explosion. Sources say there were no problems while fueling the cruiser and that threats had recently been made against Staggs. The Alabama Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating the possibility of a bomb, but declined to speculate on what evidence has been or is expected to be found.

Chandler was well known for her athletic ability while at Mars Hill, starring on both the soccer and basketball teams. Friends characterize her as outgoing and of strong Christian faith. We wish the best for Chandler and will be reporting on her condition as we receive future updates.

Photo by Matt McKean


What's up with this: Kudos to Red Bay native Mac McAnally for donating song proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project; may we suggest he update his standard head shot to one that looks less like the Geico caveman?