Remembering the 11 men killed in the Longview paper mill accident

LONGVIEW, Wash. — Family members are mourning employees killed in this accident Industrial accident at Longview paper mill Tuesday Officials are continuing to investigate what led to the fatal incident.

At the Nippon Dynawave plant, an approximately 600,000-gallon tank containing white liquor (a mixture of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and sodium carbonate used in the papermaking process) ruptured during a shift at about 7:15 a.m. on May 26.

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The rupture damaged administrative offices, break rooms and operations areas within the facility. Officials are still working to determine what caused the incident.

On Saturday, the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office identified all 11 victims of the crash.

Families are paying tribute to their loved ones through social media and online fundraisers.

Dale Miller, 54, was first identified by family members.

“He had a great life,” said his sister, Sarah Patton.

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.

Barton said her brother was a mill worker at Nippon Dynawave and started working there earlier this year. She believes he was not working on the tank when the explosion occurred.

She said the family was informed Wednesday night that his body had been found.

An online fundraiser identifies Jared Ammons as the victim of an industrial accident in Longview. 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, according to the fundraiser.

On the day of the incident, an attorney for Jared’s wife, Mackenzie Ammons, stated that Jared went to work early so that he could accompany Mackenzie to her prenatal check-up. When Jared didn’t arrive, Mackenzie attended 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.

Braydon Finkas worked as a technician at the plant for about seven years, according to his friend Javier Sanchez.

Sanchez said Fincas and his girlfriend recently built their dream home in Caslamet and were planning a trip to Italy in a few weeks.

Sanchez described Fincas as a dedicated and helpful member of the community.

“Probably one of the most selfless people you’ll ever meet,” Sanchez said. “We’re sad to see their lives really torn apart.”

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 he was survived by two children.

Jim John, pastor of the Kelso Journey Seventh-day Adventist Church, said Bernal’s family authorized him 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.” He was celebrating his 32nd wedding anniversary in a few weeks and was also a loving grandfather.

“He worked hard to provide for his family and he loved us very much,” her statement said. “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.”

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.”

An online fundraiser identified brothers Tyler and Brad Covington as Nippon Dynawave factory workers.

Organizers wrote: “In the blink of an eye, a loving fiancé, devoted father and sole breadwinner of the family was taken away. He left behind Kenzie and their three beautiful children, who are now trying to navigate a future without the man who was their rock, their protector and their greatest source of love and support.”

In addition to Taylor’s death, the family also lost younger brother Brad, organizers said.

Robert Wilson of Claskanie, Ore., dies at age 48.

Maxwell Wilson wrote on Facebook that he missed Robert dearly and expressed his gratitude.

“To my hero, my best friend, my dad, I will carry on your legacy and never give up. Thank you for working so hard every day for everything I had as a kid. Fly higher, Dad. I will take care of our family. I will see you again, Dad. I love you,” Wilson wrote.

CJ Doran, from Kelso, was 26 when he died.

Friends said online that he is survived by his wife, Alyssa.

Organizers of the GoFundMe campaign wrote: “Our dear friend Alyssa faced unimaginable loss after the sudden death of her husband, CJ Doran. CJ went to work at the paper mill in Longview and was called home by the Lord in a chemical explosion.”

Vancouver native Norman Barlow was 58 when he died. KING 5 is working to learn more about him and his life.

Dillon Miller was one of the victims of the industrial accident in Longview, according to family friends and Cowlitz County Coroner Dana Tucker.

A family friend described Miller as a devoted father and soon-to-be husband who maintained close relationships with friends and neighbors throughout his life.

“His family lived across the street from us for many years and our families stayed in touch even after we moved,” the friend wrote in a social media post. “His parents are the kindest, most generous people you will ever meet.”

The friend said the community is rallying around Miller’s family in the wake of the tragedy.