In a tragic turn of events, Wooden Robot Brewery, a beloved establishment in Charlotte’s South End, has announced the temporary closure of both its taprooms. The closure follows the untimely death of co-founder Dan Wade in what has been described as “an accident.”
This heartbreaking incident has left the brewery community and patrons in shock, mourning the loss of a key figure in the craft beer industry.
Wooden Robot Closing
The announcement of Wooden Robot Brewery’s indefinite closure was made earlier this week, sending ripples of sadness through the local community. Co-founder Josh Patton took to Instagram to share the devastating news: “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.”
The brewery has urged the public to respect the privacy of Dan’s loved ones during this difficult time. The statement continued, “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.”
Why is Wooden Robot Brewery Closed Today?
Shortly after the closure announcement, details emerged that Medic had responded to a fall in the 1400 block of South Tryon Street, Wooden Robot’s South End location. Tragically, one person, later confirmed to be Dan Wade, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police were present, and the North Carolina Department of Labor is now investigating the incident. In a statement, the Department of Labor mentioned that CMPD had notified them of the accident, and a compliance officer had been assigned to conduct an investigation.
Outpouring of Condolences
The brewing community has come together to express their condolences for Dan Wade’s untimely passing. Breweries like Lake Norman Brewery and Weathered Souls Charlotte have shared heartfelt messages on social media, highlighting Dan’s impact on the brewing community.
“All of us at LKN Brewery are deeply saddened by the devastating news of the loss of Dan Wade,” expressed Lake Norman Brewery on Facebook. “His passing is a profound loss to the entire brewing community. We wish to convey our sincere condolences to Dan’s wife, son, extended family, and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.”
Weathered Souls Charlotte Brewery described Dan as “a pillar of our brewing community,” emphasizing his multifaceted role as a mentor, husband, father, son, and sibling.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite the somber circumstances, the brewing community acknowledges Dan Wade’s positive influence and legacy. Craft beer industry consultant Aaron Gore remembered Dan as “a fantastic human, a fantastic father,” highlighting his role as a source of support and mentorship within the industry.
Triple C Brewing Company also paid tribute, stating, “His legacy will continue to shine bright and forever be remembered in our hearts. Thank you for our amazing beer collaborations and for spending those days with us! We appreciate you helping make the Charlotte craft beer scene a better place, especially so close to us.”
In addition to the South Tryon Street location, Wooden Robot Brewery operates The Chamber by Wooden Robot on East 36th Street.
As the community grieves, the brewery has not provided a reopening date for its taprooms, emphasizing the need for time to process the tragic loss. The impact of Dan Wade’s passing will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, echoing throughout the Charlotte craft beer scene that he contributed to so profoundly.