Community honors Charlotte brewer, Dan Wade, after deadly fall

CHARLOTTE — The co-founder of Wooden Robot Brewery died Tuesday from a fall at its South End location and on the next day, people came to show their love and respect.

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The community created a memorial that reads “From Charlotte with Love” in honor of Dan Wade, who was a husband and the father of a one-month-old. >>Click here if you would like to donate to the Wade Family Fund.

Dan Wade Dan Wade, a co-founder and co-owner of Wooden Robot Brewery, died on Feb. 20, 2024, from a fall at the taproom in South End. (Wooden Robot Brewery)

The people who knew him best say they are overwhelmed with grief.

“We’re all just in shock,” said Rick Benfield, Blue Blaze Brewing vice president of sales and marketing. “Dan was such a big part of our brewing community, very well respected. A darn good brewer. It’s just a shame, especially at his young age.”

Benfield believes Wade’s legacy will live on through his work with other breweries.

“I almost like to call him the ‘King of Collaborations’ because he really loved to collaborate with other breweries,” Benfield said. “Not only here local, but statewide and even outside the state.”

Wooden Robot posted:

“It is with an extremely sad and heavy heart that we share this news. Due to an accident that occurred today, we lost one of our founders, co-owners, and friend, Dan.

We ask that you respect the privacy of his 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.

Your thoughts and prayers for Dan’s family, his wife, and his son are much appreciated at this time.”

The taprooms are closed until further notice.

Wooden Robot Brewery closes amid ongoing investigation after deadly fall

The Occupational Safety and Health Division released this statement: “The OSH Division was notified by CMPD this afternoon of an accident at that location. A compliance officer has been assigned to begin investigating the report.”

Members of the brewing community expressed their sympathy on Instagram: