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Alden J. Robbins, co-owner and vice president of sales at Robbins Lumber, Searsmont, Se., died on July 2 from injuries sustained in the May 15 explosion and fire at the company.
He received a degree in business from the University of Maine in 1997 and a master's degree in business administration from Northern Arizona University in 1998. He then joined the family business full-time.
He also served as president of Georges River Energy, chairman of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association and of its Pine Species Subcommittee, executive committee member of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association and chair of NAWLA's membership committee, past director of the Softwood Lumber Board, and a member of the Maine Retail Lumber Dealers Association board of directors.
Robbins is the third person to die from the May 15 explosion, following two firefighters.
Still continuing to battle injuries at Massachusetts General Hospital's burn center are Alden's brother, president James L. "Jim" Robbins, and Alden's 23-year-old daughter, Lily, who after six weeks was recently permitted to venture outside the hospital in a wheelchair.
The Robbins family released the following statement:
It is with profound sadness that the Robbins family announces the passing of Alden J. Robbins, who died on July 2, 2026, from injuries sustained in the tragic accident at Robbins Lumber on May 15, 2026.
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.
Our family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the medical teams at Maine Medical Center in Portland and at the Sumner Redstone Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Their skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication went far beyond what could ever have been expected. They cared not only for Alden, but for our entire family during the most difficult days of our lives, and we will always be grateful.
We are also profoundly thankful for the countless prayers, messages of support, acts of kindness and generosity shown by our employees, friends, neighbors, the forest products community, first responders, and people from across Maine and beyond. Your support has been a source of strength for our family.
A celebration of Alden's life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared when arrangements have been made.
At this time, we respectfully ask for privacy as our family mourns this tremendous loss and begins to navigate life without someone who meant so much to all of us.
