On Thursday, officials announced that eight workers were confirmed dead and three employees were still missing.
LONGVIEW, Wash. — Family members are identifying some of the employees who died Tuesday. Longview paper mill storage tank implodes Officials are continuing to investigate the fatal incident.
At the Nippon Dynawave plant, an approximately 600,000-gallon chemical tank storing white liquor – a mixture of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate used in the papermaking process – imploded around 7:15 a.m., but officials are still working to determine the cause.
On Thursday, officials announced that eight workers were confirmed dead and three employees were still missing.
Cowlitz Fire and Rescue Chief Scott Goldstein said at a news conference Tuesday night that officials do not believe any rescues will be conducted. Search and recovery efforts continue this week.
Family members paid tribute to their loved ones on social media and at online fundraisers.
Victim identified
A 26-year-old Longview man has been identified as the victim of the bombing. His family requested privacy and asked that his identification not be released.
Dale Miller
Dale Miller, 54, was identified by his family.
“He had a great life,” said his sister, Sarah Barron.
Miller leaves behind three children and three grandchildren. He was born and raised in Portland and 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 nut” who was in a motorcycle club and enjoyed playing pool.
Barron said her brother worked as a mill worker at Nippon Dynawave and started working earlier this year. She believes he was not working on the tank when the explosion occurred.
She said the family was informed Wednesday evening that his body had been found.
Jared Ammons
one online fundraiser Jared Ammons was identified as the victim of the Longview storage tank implosion. The fundraiser described Ammons as “a loving husband, devoted father, loving son and loving brother.”
He is survived by his wife and two children. The family is also expecting a third child, the fundraiser said.
On the day of the explosion, an attorney for Jared’s wife, Mackenzie Ammons, said Jared went to work early so he could accompany Mackenzie to her prenatal check-up. When Jared didn’t arrive, Mackenzie went to the appointment with her sister and saw their unborn child for the first time via an ultrasound.
“His death has left an unimaginable trauma in the hearts of everyone who knew him,” organizers wrote.
Brayden Fincas
Braydon Finkas worked as a technician at the plant for about seven years, said his friend Javier Sanchez. Sanchez said he and his girlfriend had just built their dream home in Caslamet and were planning to travel to Italy in a few weeks.
Sanchez described Fincas as a dedicated and helpful community member.
“Probably one of the most selfless people you’ll ever meet,” Sanchez said. “We’re sad to see their lives really torn apart.”
He said he was relieved to learn that crews were making progress in locating the remains of the once-missing employee.
“As time goes on and our hope for the situation becomes less and less, I think it’s important to have respectful communication with the family,” Sanchez said.
John Forsberg
Loved ones confirmed to KING 5 that one of the victims was John Forsberg.
One online fundraiser said Forsberg’s death was an “unimaginable and deeply traumatic loss.” It also said his two children survived.
Gilbert Bernal
Jim John, pastor of the Kelso Journey Seventh-day Adventist Church, said the family of Gilbert Bernal authorized John to identify Bernal as one of the victims.
Bernal is an electrician and has been with the company for about 15 years. His son also worked in the paper mill.
His daughter, Geovana Bernal-Ferguson, described Bernal as “the most selfless person I know.” Bernal-Ferguson, who will celebrate his 32nd wedding anniversary in a few weeks, said in a statement that he was also a loving grandfather.
“He worked hard to provide for his family and he loved us very much,” her statement continued. “He was always willing to help out at our local Seventh-day Adventist church and volunteered his time to help repair or assist anyone in need. He will truly be missed. He was a one-of-a-kind man and our community has felt the impact of his passing. He was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. We are heartbroken. We loved him so much.”
John told KING 5 that Bernal was described as “everyone’s friend” and a “very, very dedicated family man.”
“Gilbert was always willing to help anyone. No matter the situation, he was very mechanical, very, very good with his hands and genuine,” John said. “Just a great guy.”
This is a developing story and will be updated. Please check back for more information.
