Woman Injured in Eustis Gas Leak Explosion Dies: What We Know and the Legal Options for Her Family

A beloved Eustis business owner has tragically died after suffering critical injuries in last week’s gas leak explosion that destroyed her jewelry store and sent debris raining across an entire block. The victim has now been identified as Wendy Davis, owner of Darklyn Inc., according to her close friend, Mia Tompkins.

The explosion, which occurred on Thursday, shocked the community and left many searching for answers about how such a devastating incident could happen—especially after officials confirmed that there was an active gas leak outside the building just before the explosion occurred.

As investigators continue examining the cause, important questions remain about liability, safety lapses, and the legal rights of families affected by preventable utility-related explosions.

According to the Eustis Fire Department and early investigative reports:

• A natural gas leak was discovered in front of the jewelry store during utility work
• Nearby buildings were evacuated
• Crews crimped the gas line in response to the leak
• Despite these precautions, an explosion occurred inside the jewelry store—which did not have gas service to the building
• Debris including glass and metal scattered across the block
• Wendy Davis was found critically injured and airlifted to a hospital
• She passed away from her injuries days later

Fire Chief Michael Swanson described the building as a “total loss” and emphasized that the explosion’s ignition source remains unknown.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is now handling the investigation.

Wendy Davis was known as a vibrant, generous fixture of the community. Her store, filled with crystals, gemstones, and handmade jewelry, was a place many described as warm, colorful, and welcoming.

Friends say that she was deeply involved in her church, often helping others before helping herself.

“She was the first one who would have stepped in to help someone else,” said her friend, Mia Tompkins. “It’s heartbreaking to lose someone so kind in such a tragic way.”

A memorial of flowers and crystals has grown outside her store, placed around a butterfly bench where Wendy often sat.

What Caused the Gas Explosion? Key Safety Questions

Although officials confirmed the leak originated outside the building due to damage from an excavator installing conduit for another utility, major unanswered questions remain:

• Was the area properly secured after the leak was discovered?
• Should the business have been evacuated along with others nearby?
• Was proper pipeline marking, permitting, and safety protocol followed during the excavation?
• Did the repair crew accurately assess whether the area was safe after crimping the line?
• Was gas still migrating underground toward enclosed structures despite the shutoff?
• Were emergency notifications and hazard assessments conducted according to state and federal regulations?

Gas leaks—even outside of a building—can migrate through soil, cracks, or utility conduits and ignite when exposed to any spark or ignition source.

These explosions are often preventable with proper precautions.

Legal Options for Families After a Gas Explosion Fatality

When a death occurs due to a utility-related explosion, multiple parties may be legally responsible. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving families may recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support and services
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Medical expenses prior to death

Potentially liable parties may include:

1. The Excavation Company

If the operator failed to follow state-required “Call Before You Dig” protocols or damaged underground utilities through negligence.

2. Peoples Gas or Other Utility Companies

If there were delays, improper repair techniques, or inadequate hazard mitigation after the leak was discovered.

3. Property or Construction Contractors

If they failed to manage underground utility risks or supervise subcontractors properly.

4. Municipal or State Agencies

In rare cases, if government oversight or regulatory compliance failures contributed to the explosion.

5. Third-Party Equipment or Pipeline Manufacturers

If mechanical defects contributed to the severity of the explosion.

Because utility explosions involve complex layers of engineering, safety standards, and corporate responsibility, families should contact experienced wrongful death attorneys immediately to preserve critical evidence.

Why Immediate Investigation Matters

Explosions require rapid forensic work because:

• Gas disperses and dissipates quickly
• Debris patterns can be disturbed during cleanup
• Utility logs, repair records, and excavation permits must be secured
• Surveillance footage and witness accounts fade or disappear
• Expert evaluation is needed from fire engineers and pipeline safety specialists

Flanagan & Bodenheimer is experienced in handling catastrophic explosions, wrongful death claims, and complex utility negligence cases throughout Florida.

We maintain a small caseload so families receive the direct attention of a dedicated wrongful death attorney — not a case manager.

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Wendy Davis was a cherished member of the Eustis community, and her death leaves a profound void. As her friends, customers, and loved ones grieve, it is also important that her family receives answers and justice.

If you or someone you love was affected by this explosion—or any utility-related injury or wrongful death—our attorneys are here to help.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free consultation. We serve Eustis, Lake County, and communities throughout Florida.