Centralia resident dies in logging accident in Grays Harbor County

By Sharyn  L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter

A Centralia man was killed in a logging accident over the weekend southwest of Oakville.

The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office said it happened in the Minot area on the Brooklyn T-Line Road. They were called at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday.

Erin L. VanBrocklin, 41, had been bucking a log and a crew was rigging up a yarder, according to the sheriff’s office.

A log broke loose and it rolled downhill crushing the victim between it and the log he was working on, Undersheriff Dave Pimentel said.

Pimentel said co-workers had to cut VanBrocklin out, and they placed him a stretcher and drove six miles to where they met an ambulance at where the T-Line meets Brooklyn Road.

“He was tended to by an aid crew and pronounced dead,” Pimentel said.

Grays Harbor County Fire District 1 Firefighter Shawn Burdett said members of Centralia’s fire department were first on the scene. Responders continued CPR until medics arrived, Burdett said.

He was working for B and M Logging, according to the Department of Labor and Industries. The state agency is investigating the death.

Tags: ,

10 Responses to “Centralia resident dies in logging accident in Grays Harbor County”

  1. Shelby says:

    I didn’t know Erin well, but he stood out to me because I could tell that he was a very good, sweet person when I had some nice conversations with him. Rest in peace, Erin. My thoughts are with your family.

  2. Tara Patton says:

    May Erin rest in peace. I didn’t know him as well as others but what I did know of him he was a great person and did everything he could to help others. He was great with my kids and I he will be vey missed by a lot of people. He was a dear friend to my husband and will always be a part of his heart <3 Always The Patton's

  3. Judith VanBrocklin says:

    Erin Vanbrocklin, was my son, second in the line of six children. He lost his life in a freak logging accident. He loved logging, and all the men connected with the B & M Logging Company. This company gave him a second chance, following his release from prison. The love of his community, his dear friend Kay Reese, his logging company, B & M Logging, his family, friends, his new Life Community Church and his pastor, Shere and Bill, and his NNA groups, he was able to reach his full potential, enabling his to help and mentor many young men and women, suffering from the say struggles. He will be so missed, but not forgotten

  4. spider says:

    Yeah u can send them to 218 w magnolia Centralia Washington 98531

  5. A says:

    Does anybody know where to send cards or flowers? His mothers address or his home perhaps? Thank you in advance. Rest in Peace Erin.

  6. ray of sunshine says:

    I did not know this man but heard some wonderful things about him.some people never get a chance to make good in life however this man did.my heart breaks for all the lives he touched. I hope all the men he gave a chance to can continue on.I know this man made it to heaven.r.i.p

  7. spider says:

    My best friend! Gave me a chance when no one else would! Love u bro!R.I.P

  8. BleeBloo says:

    My thoughts are with his family.

  9. Ginger says:

    I am so sorry:((. Thank you to these loggers that do this everyday. Rest in peace.

  10. XDs says:

    From one logger to another….R.I.P.