Dan Wade.Photo:Go Fund Me
Go Fund Me
The co-founder of a popular North Carolina brewery has died following an incident at one of the company’s locations earlier this week.
The Wooden Robot Brewery, based in Charlotte, announced it hadclosed both of its tap roomson Tuesday “until further notice” afterDan Wade died“due to an accident that occurred” earlier that day.
A spokesperson for Mecklenburg EMS Agency, also known as Medic, tells PEOPLE crews responded to the scene at 1440 South Tryon Street just after 1:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday “for a fall-related 911 call.”
One person was pronounced deceased at the scene, the spokesperson added.
Josh Patton, who co-founded Wooden Robot Brewery with Wade, confirmed his friend’s death in a statement shared on Facebook. He asked the public to “respect the privacy" of Wade’s loved ones “in this incredibly difficult time.”
“We are all still in shock and need time to process everything, but we will do our best to keep everyone in the loop for when we open up our taprooms again,” Patton said. “Your thoughts and prayers for Dan’s family, his wife, and his son are much appreciated at this time.”
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“Dan was such a big part of our brewing community, very well respected. A darn good brewer,” said Benfield. “It’s just a shame, especially at his young age.”
Wade leaves behind his wife and newborn son, according to Jacki Keating, who helped organize aGoFundMecampaign for Wade’s immediate family in wake of the “devastating loss.”
Keating described Wade as “a dedicated husband and father,” as well as “a hardworking and beloved member of our Charlotte community” who was “a cherished leader.” She also said Wade “poured his heart and soul into his work and his beer.”
“Dan Wade was more than just a skilled brewer providing beer to the Charlotte Community; he was the backbone of his family, providing love, support, and stability,” Keating wrote on GoFundMe.
Nearly $100,000 has been raised via GoFundMe in support of Wade’s family following the brewer’s sudden death.
Keating said the donations “will make a lasting impact on this grieving family” and allow them “to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.”
“The Wade Family Fund is a testament to the strength of our community and our ability to come together in times of adversity,” she added.
“A compliance officer has been assigned to begin investigating the report,” they added.
The OSHD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
source: people.com
