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Remembering the 11 men killed in the Nippon Dynawave Longview paper mill accident

LONGVIEW, Washington (From news reports) -- Family members are mourning the employees killed in Tuesday's industrial accident at a Longview paper mill as officials continue to investigate what caused the deadly incident.

At the Nippon Dynawave facility, an approximately 600,000-gallon tank containing white liquor -- a mixture of sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate used in the papermaking process -- ruptured around 7:15 a.m. May 26 during a shift change.

The rupture damaged administrative offices, a break room and operational areas inside the facility. Officials are still working to determine what caused the incident.

On Saturday, the Cowlitz County Coroner's Office identified all 11 victims killed in the accident.

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

Dale Miller

Dale Miller, 54, was first 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 industrial accident. 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, according to the fundraiser.

On the day of the incident, 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 did not arrive, Mackenzie attended 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 seven years, according to his friend Javier Sanchez.

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

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

"Probably one of the most selfless individuals you'll ever meet," Sanchez said. "We're sad to see that their life has really been torn apart."

John Forsberg

Loved ones confirmed 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 two children.

In a statement, the family thanked the communities of Longview and Cowlitz County.

"The kindness, prayers, messages, financial support, and encouragement from so many people have meant more to us than words can express," the statement reads, in part.

The family said in the statement their "hearts are also out" to the families of the other victims, as well as those injured, displaced or otherwise impacted by the implosion.

"We recognize that many people are carrying heavy burdens as a result of this tragedy, and they remain in our thoughts and prayers.

"To everyone who has reached out, stood beside us, and offered support in any form -- thank you. Knowing this community is behind us provides strength during an unimaginably difficult time."

Gilbert Bernal

Jim John, a pastor at Kelso's Journey Seventh-day Adventist Church, said Bernal's family authorized him 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.

"He worked hard to provide for his family and he loved us so much," her statement said. "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."

"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."

Tyler and Brad Covington

An online fundraiser identifies brothers Tyler Covington and Brad Covington as workers at the Nippon Dynawave facility.

"In the blink of an eye, a loving fiancé, devoted father, and the sole provider for his family was taken far too soon. He leaves behind Kenzi and their three beautiful children, who are now trying to navigate a future without the man who was their rock, protector, and greatest source of love and support," the organizer wrote.

The organizer said that in addition to Tyler's death, the family also lost his brother, Brad.

Robert "Robb" Wilson

Robert Wilson, of Clatskanie, Oregon, died at age 48.

Maxxwell Wilson wrote on Facebook that he missed Robert dearly and expressed gratitude for the man.

"To my hero, my best friend, my father, I will live on your legacy and I won't ever let it go. Thank you for working your butt off every day for the things I had as a child. Fly high, pops. I will take care of our family. I will see you again, Dad. I love you," Wilson wrote.

Clinton "CJ" Doran

C.J. Doran, of Kelso, was 26 when he died.

Friends said online that he left behind his wife, Alisa.

"Our dear friend Alisa is facing an unimaginable loss after the sudden death of her husband, CJ Doran. CJ, went to work at the paper mill in Longview, and through a chemical explosion the Lord called him home," organizers of a GoFundMe campaign wrote.

Norman Barlow

Norman Barlow, of Vancouver, was 58 when he died.

Barlow was working at Nippon Dynawave after retiring from UA Local 342, a California-based plumbing and pipefitting union, according to an online fundraiser.

Barlow was remembered as a respected mentor to those in the instrumentation field. He took younger employees under his wing and served as a father figure to them.

"If a person wanted to learn, Norm wanted to teach," fundraising organizer Andrea Blevins wrote.

Barlow leaves behind his daughter, Brooke Iverson and her four children.

Dillon Miller

Dillon Miller was among those killed in the Longview industrial accident, 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 remained close with friends and neighbors throughout his life.

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

The friend said the community is rallying around Miller's family following the tragedy.

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