On Thursday, officials announced that eight workers are confirmed dead and three employees are still missing.
LONGVIEW, Wash. — Family members are identifying some of the employees killed in Tuesday’s tank implosion at a Longview paper mill as officials continue to investigate the deadly incident.
At the Nippon Dynawave facility, an approximately 600,000 gallon chemical tank storing white liquor — a mix of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate that is used in the papermaking process — imploded around 7:15 a.m., but officials are still working to determine why.
On Thursday, officials announced that eight workers are confirmed dead and three employees are still missing.
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said at a press conference on Tuesday night that officials do not believe there are any rescues to be made. Search and recovery efforts are continuing this week.
Families are paying tribute to their loved ones on social media and online fundraisers.
Victims identified
A 26-year-old Longview man has been identified as a victim in the explosion. His family is asking for privacy and that his ID not be released.
Dale Miller
Dale Miller, 54, was identified by his family.
“He lived a great life,” said his sister Sarah Barton.
Miller leaves behind three children and three grandchildren. Born and raised in Portland, he recently moved in with his mother to help care for her.
His sister said Dale had a “great group of friends.” She described him as a “car junkie” who was in a motorcycle club and enjoyed playing pool.
Barton said her brother worked as a millwright at Nippon Dynawave and only started there earlier this year. She does not think he was working on the tank at the time of the blast.
She said the family was notified his remains had been recovered Wednesday night.
Jared Ammons
An online fundraiser identified Jared Ammons as a victim of the Longview tank implosion. The fundraiser describes Ammons as “a loving husband, devoted father, cherished son, and caring brother.”
He is survived by his wife and two children; the family also has a third child on the way, the fundraiser states.
On the day of the implosion, an attorney for Mackenzie Ammons, Jared’s wife, said Jared went to work early so he could accompany Mackenzie to a prenatal appointment. When Jared didn’t arrive, Mackenzie went to the appointment with her sister and saw their unborn child for the first time on an ultrasound.
“His loss has left an unimaginable hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him,” the organizer wrote.
Braydon Finkas
Braydon Finkas worked as a technician at the plant for approximately 7 years, said his friend, Javier Sanchez. Sanchez said he and his girlfriend had just built their dream home in Cathlamet, and were planning to go to Italy in a few weeks.
Sanchez described Finkas as a dedicated and helpful community member.
“Probably one of the most selfless individuals you’ll ever meet,” said Sanchez. “We’re sad to see that their life has really been torn apart.”
He said he was relieved to know crews were making progress recovering remains of the once-missing employees.
“As the days have gone by our hopes have been fading more and more about the situation,” said Sanchez, “I think the important part is going to be a respectful communication to the families.”
John Forsberg
Loved ones confirmed to KING 5 that one of the victims was John Forsberg.
An online fundraiser said Forsberg’s death is “an unimaginable and deeply traumatic loss.” It also said he is survived by his two children.
Gilbert Bernal
Jim John, a pastor at Kelso’s Journey Seventh-day Adventist Church said Gilbert Bernal’s family authorized John to identify Bernal as one of the people killed.
Bernal was an electrician who worked for the company for about 15 years. His son also worked at the paper mill.
His daughter, Geovana Bernal-Ferguson, described Bernal as “the most selfless man I knew.” He was set to celebrate his 32nd wedding anniversary in a few weeks, and was also a loving grandfather, Bernal-Ferguson said in a statement.
“He worked hard to provided for his family and he loved us so much,” her statement continued. “He was always willing to help at our local church, Journey Seventh Day Adventist church and volunteering his time to help repairs or help anyone in need. He truly is going to be missed. He was a one of a kind and our community is already feeling the impact of his passing. He was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. We are so heartbroken. We love him so much.”
Bernal was described as “everybody’s friend,” and a “very, very dedicated family man,” John told KING 5.
”Gilbert was always willing to help anybody. No matter what the situation was, he was very mechanical, very, very good with his hands, sincere,” John said. “Just a great human being.”
This is a developing story and will be updated. Check back for more information.
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