Dan Wade Obituary, Cause of Death: What Happened to Wooden Robot Founder?
Dan Wade, the co-founder of Wooden Robot Brewery, passed away on February 20, 2024, following a tragic fall at the South End taproom. He was 37 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Sarah, his newborn son, Oliver, his parents, his brother, his sister, six nieces and nephews, and his rescue dog, Cooper. He also leaves behind a legacy of innovation, community, and friendship in the Charlotte beer scene.
A Passion for Brewing
Dan Wade was born in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in chemical engineering. He met his friend and co-founder, Josh Patton, at a homebrewing club in Gainesville. The two shared a passion for brewing and a vision for creating a unique brewery that combined traditional styles with modern techniques.
In 2015, they opened Wooden Robot Brewery in South End, Charlotte, with a focus on farmhouse-style ales and barrel-aged beers. The name “Wooden Robot” reflected their philosophy of blending old and new, rustic and futuristic, natural and artificial. The brewery quickly gained popularity and recognition for its quality and creativity, winning several awards and accolades, including being named one of the best new breweries in the country by Beer Advocate in 2016.
In 2019, they expanded to a second location in NoDa, Charlotte, with a larger production facility and a rooftop beer garden. The two taprooms became popular destinations for beer lovers, families, and friends, offering a variety of beers, food, and events. Dan Wade was the head brewer and the mastermind behind many of the brewery’s signature beers, such as the Good Morning Vietnam, a coffee blonde ale, and the Thicket as Thieves, a blackberry sour ale.
| Name | Dan Wade |
|---|---|
| Role | Co-founder and head brewer of Wooden Robot Brewery |
| Age | 37 |
| Date of death | February 20, 2024 |
| Cause of death | Fall at the South End taproom |
| Survived by | Wife, Sarah; son, Oliver; parents; brother; sister; six nieces and nephews; rescue dog, Cooper |
| Education | University of Florida, chemical engineering |
| Awards | Beer Advocate’s best new brewery in 2016 |
| Signature beers | Good Morning Vietnam, Thicket as Thieves |
| woodenrobotbrewery | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
A Leader in the Community
Dan Wade was not only a talented brewer, but also a leader and a mentor in the Charlotte beer community. He was generous with his knowledge and experience, helping other brewers and breweries with advice, collaborations, and support. He was also involved in several charitable and social causes, such as the Pink Boots Society, a nonprofit organization that empowers women in the brewing industry, and the Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance, a trade association that promotes and advocates for the local craft beer scene.
Dan Wade was also a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He married his wife, Sarah, in 2017, and welcomed his son, Oliver, in January 2024. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially outdoors. He was an avid hiker, camper, and traveler, and had visited several national parks and countries. He was also a passionate rescue dog dad, and adopted his dog, Cooper, from the Humane Society of Charlotte in 2018.
A Loss Felt by Many
The news of Dan Wade’s death shocked and saddened many people, especially those who knew him personally or professionally. The Wooden Robot Brewery announced his passing on social media, saying: “It is with an extremely sad and heavy heart that we share this news. Dan Wade, our co-founder, head brewer, and dear friend, passed away yesterday following a fall at our South End location. Dan was an amazing person, a brilliant brewer, and a loving husband and father. He touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity, and passion. He will be deeply missed by all of us at Wooden Robot, and by the entire Charlotte beer community.”
The brewery closed both taprooms until further notice, and asked for privacy and respect for Dan’s family and friends. The brewery also started a GoFundMe campaign to support Dan’s wife and son, which has raised over $60,000 as of February 22, 2024. Many other breweries, bars, restaurants, and businesses in Charlotte and beyond have expressed their condolences and offered their help and donations. The North Carolina Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Division is investigating the accident, which is believed to be accidental and not involving any foul play.
Dan Wade’s death is a huge loss for the Charlotte beer scene, and for everyone who knew him or enjoyed his beers. He was a visionary, a pioneer, and a friend. He will be remembered for his contributions, his achievements, and his spirit. He will be honored by continuing his legacy, his vision, and his passion. He will be celebrated by raising a glass, sharing a story, and cherishing a memory. Rest in peace, Dan Wade. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
