One Victim Of Robbins Mill Explosion Released From Hospital While Another Passes Away

It's been a bittersweet week for many connected to the explosion at the Robbins Lumber mill in Searsmont earlier this spring.

The massive explosion and fire that took place on May 15th destroyed a large section of the Robbins Lumber Company in Searsmont, injuring almost a dozen people, including first responders and two of the mill's owners, and claiming the lives of Andrew Cross, a volunteer firefighter from Morrill, and Searsmont's Assistant Fire Chief, Wayne Woodbury.

Read More: Searsmont Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury Dies After Lumber Mill Blast

One of the individuals who was injured when the mill caught fire and the silo exploded, Belmont Firefighter Katherine Paige, was finally released from Maine Medical Center and allowed to go home, almost two months after the devastating accident.

As well-wishes and congratulations poured in for Paige's achievement, news began to spread that another individual injured in the incident, one of the Robbins Lumber co-owners, Alden Robbins, who had been fighting for his life at the Sumner Redstone Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, had succumbed to his injuries and passed away on July 2nd.

The Robbins family issued a statement Friday, conveying their gratitude to the medical teams who were working with Robbins and the support of their friends, family, community, and first responders who rushed in to help that day. They also expressed their sadness at his passing.

"We are heartbroken by the loss of a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Alden was the heart of our family in so many ways, and nothing mattered more to him than the people he loved. Throughout his battle, he fought with extraordinary courage and determination, holding on so that his family could have precious time with him. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him."

Read More: Community Unites To Support Injured EMT Lily Robbins

The Maine Department of Public Safety also released a statement offering support and condolences to the family.

"The Department of Public Safety extends its sincere condolences to the Robbins family on the loss of Alden Robbins. Our thoughts remain with his loved ones, the Robbins Lumber family, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We ask that the family's privacy be respected during this difficult time."

Two other members of the Robbins family were seriously injured in May's explosion: co-owner Jim Robbins Jr. and volunteer EMT Lily Robbins.

We're told that a celebration of life for Alden Robbins will be held at a later date, and details will be released in the future.

They are still recovering in hospitals across New England.

Both state and federal investigators continue to probe the incident, which was deemed accidental.

The mill reopened for business at the end of May.