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Family mourns man killed in Longview chemical implosion
We're learning more about the victims of a deadly chemical implosion at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, which left 8 people dead, 8 others injures, and three still missing.
LONGVIEW, Wash. - After a massive chemical implosion at a Longview, Washington paper mill killed 11 people, we are learning more about the victims.
Nine people died, and two others remain missing after a tank of white liquor imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility on Tuesday, May 26. Eight others also suffered injuries, including chemical burns and inhalation injuries. It was one of the deadliest U.S. workplace accidents in recent decades.
Officials confirmed that crews recovered six of the nine workers who were unaccounted for following the implosion on Thursday, and another victim was recovered on Friday. Two workers who made it out of the site also died, making the death toll 11.
Search and recovery efforts are underway for the two victims who remain missing. Because of the toxic chemicals, the victims' remains must be decontaminated before the coroner can begin the formal identification process.
Keep reading for details on what we know about the victims in the Longview chemical implosion.
Two victims identified
Eight of the 11 workers killed in the Longview implosion have been identified by family members:
Jared Ammons:
Family and friends described Ammons as a "loving husband, devoted father, cherished son and caring brother." He leaves behind his wife, two kids, and another child on the way.
Those who knew Ammons said' his loss has left an unimaginable hole in their hearts. A GoFundMe is raising money for his family as they navigate the recent tragedy.
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Gilbert Bernal:
Friends said Bernal was one of the best people they've ever met, and "was a Godly man in every sense of the word." He was a grandfather and an electrician at the facility.
His GoFundMe said Bernal was loved by many and worked hard to provide for his family. The online fundraiser will go towards his family's funeral expenses and other needs.
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CJ Doran:
Doran, who was 26 years old, is described by friends as a selfless and deeply caring husband and father. He was "the spiritual leader of their family, the joy of their home, and the family provider." A GoFundMe will benefit his wife and family during this troubling time.
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John Forsberg:
Forsberg was a father of two young children who lost his life in the Nippon plant implosion. Forsberg's family asks for privacy as they process this tragedy, with an online fundraiser going towards supporting his children and memorial-related expenses.
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Braydon Finkas:
Finkas was an electrician at the plant, whose "sense of humor and kindness touched everyone who knew him." He was known for his love of golf, brisket-making, breweries and his wife, Kaitlyn.
Rex Czuba, a friend who organized Finkas' GoFundMe, said he would always be there to help and would never turn down a request from a friend or neighbor. "He was a really big part of the town," Czuba said. "He really jumped in and became a part of the community so quickly."
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Dale Miller:
Miller was one of the first victims recovered from the implosion. His family issued the following statement to FOX 13 Seattle:
"Our family was notified by the Cowlitz County Coroner's Office that my uncle, Dale Miller, was among those who lost their lives in the incident. Dale was one of the first victims recovered from the disaster area, and our family is currently grieving this tremendous loss.
"Dale was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. His passing has left an immeasurable void in our family, particularly for his mother, Mary, who has lost her oldest son and housemate. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy and respect as we process this tragedy and support one another.
"We appreciate the concern and support that has been shown to our family and to all those affected by this devastating event."
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Tyler and Brad Covington:
The Covington brothers worked together at the plant. Tyler leaves behind his wife and three children, remembered as a hardworking family man who will be dearly missed.
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Unidentified implosion victims
What's next:
There is still little information about the rest of the workers who were killed, hurt, or still missing following the chemical implosion. City officials or the Cowlitz County Medical Examiner's Office will release details as they continue the recovery and identification process.
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Massive chemical flush underway in Longview
On the second day of recovery following what the governor called the deadliest industrial tragedy in modern state history, the Department of Ecology is flushing a massive 500,000-gallon toxic chemical spill away from Longview's water supply.
The Source: Information in this story came from GoFundMe, the Longview Fire Department, the Associated Press and previous FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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