I pronounced him dead, but the official cause of death is still pending until the autopsy is complete, ... They will notify me of the official cause Tuesday.

I pronounced him dead at 12:30 p.m., ... The apparent cause of death is a single gunshot wound to the chest area. He has been taken by the Department of Forensics for an autopsy.

Many people have asked me what will happen to the company now that Mel is gone. Mel's death does not cause a change in our operation or philosophy. Even though Mel owned the majority of the stock in Eel River Sawmills, there is a plan in place that will transfer the majority of the voting stock to the employees over time. The Mel and Grace McLean Foundation now owns Mel's shares. Eventually, some company shares owned by the Foundation will have to be sold to meet certain regulatory requirements. We have ample time to accomplish this.

To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.

Most people would rather die than think: many do.

It's the most ridiculous thing that only an idiot could believe. He didn't have a death wish. He had every reason to live, he had children and his criminal case was being managed.