Downtown Inverness is mourning the loss of David Mohr, owner of Storm Distillery on Courthouse Square, who died Tuesday from severe burn injuries following an April 17 explosion and fire at his tasting room. The blast hurled debris into North Apopka Avenue, injured three people and shut down parts of the courthouse square while emergency crews moved in. Since then, neighbors and regulars have been stopping by the boarded-up storefront to leave flowers and handwritten notes as investigators keep combing through what is left.
Storm Distillery Confirms Owner's Death
Storm Distillery announced Mohr's death in a social media post, saying he "peacefully passed away" and asking for privacy for his family, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. The post also thanked the community for what the distillery called an overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers and support while the family works out details for services, the station reported.
Blast Tied To Still, Injuries Detailed
Citrus County deputies say the explosion originated from a still at Storm Distillery at 105 N. Apopka Ave. on April 17. The sheriff's office reported that Mohr was the only person inside the business at the time. Two pedestrians who were struck by flying debris were taken to the hospital and later released. Deputies said Mohr suffered severe burn injuries, and that the cause of the blast "appears accidental," as reported by Tampa Bay 28.
Fire Marshal, Deputies Revisit Courthouse Square
The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office returned to Courthouse Square with local law enforcement to review equipment and debris as part of an ongoing investigation, according to Spectrum Bay News 9. Authorities set up a perimeter around the site while crews worked. On the day of the explosion, first responders said one person was trauma-alerted by helicopter from the scene, according to local coverage by WCJB.
Flowers, Messages And A Fundraiser For The Mohr Family
Outside the shuttered tasting room, a small memorial has taken shape, with a painted heart on the plywood, handwritten tributes and bouquets left in Mohr's honor. Friends also launched an online fundraiser that has brought in thousands of dollars to support his family. Organizer Kara Schulte described Mohr as someone who "brought people together" in downtown Inverness, Tampa Bay 28 reported. The fundraiser on GoFundMe lists medical bills and household expenses as the main priorities.
Storm Distillery's Role In Downtown Life
Storm Distillery operates a tasting room and event space at 105 N. Apopka Ave. and describes itself as a veteran-owned craft distillery that hosts themed nights and live music, according to the business website. David and Shannon Mohr ran the tasting room and public events, and the venue had become a fixture on Courthouse Square's social calendar for locals looking for a small-batch drink and a familiar crowd.
Next Steps In The Investigation
Officials say investigators will focus on the still and surrounding equipment as they work to determine whether mechanical failure, human error or another factor sparked the fire. The Florida State Fire Marshal's Office typically leads technical investigations into commercial fire incidents and will release its findings once the review is complete, WCJB reported. No criminal charges have been announced, and authorities have asked the public to steer clear of the downtown work zone while crews finish their inspection.
