Erik Applebee, the Regional Administrator of the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families, has passed away, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in shock and disbelief. He died on March 25, 2023. Erik had a successful career in child welfare, working as an Associate Director for Learning and Development at the University of Washington’s Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence before becoming the Regional Administrator for DCYF.
Continue reading to know more about Dr. Erik Applebee’s death, his career, and the impact he left on loved ones.
Who was Dr. Erik Applebee? Learn more about him
Dr. Erik Applebee devoted his career to aiding disadvantaged children and families as a clinical psychologist and child welfare specialist. He began working in child welfare in 2003 as a CPS investigator for the Martin Luther King Jr. Office (now referred to as the Office of African American Children’s Services) of the Children’s Administration. After serving in a variety of positions for child advocates for 12 years, including area administrator, supervisor, and social worker, he transitioned to the University of Washington’s Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence.
Dr. Applebee was the Associate Director for Learning and Development, as well as Learner Experience and Innovations, at the University of Washington for nearly six years. He partnered with DCYF to improve the quality of training for caseworkers, supervisors, tribal partners, and carers.
Dr. Applebee earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Washington, as well as his Master of Arts degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. He also held a clinical psychologist’s license. While obtaining his doctorate degrees, he served as an intern psychologist and trauma therapist at Sound Mental Health for roughly six years, providing his services to community mental health programmes in King County.
How did Dr. Erik Applebee die? What was his cause of death?
The reason behind Erik Applebee’s passing has not been revealed. His demise was an unexpected event for those who were close to him, knew him, or worked with him. Erik had plans to commence his new position as the Regional Administrator of Child Welfare Field Operations in the Department of Children and Youth Services’ Region 4 on June 1, 2020.
Tributes pour in for Dr. Erik Applebee
Brian BeastMode Applebee expressed his profound sorrow over the sudden and unexpected passing of his younger brother, Dr. Erik Applebee, in a Facebook post. According to the post, he stated that it was probably the darkest day of his life and that there were no answers and fewer words to describe the pain. He further added that they had not made any plans for services yet, but they were considering holding ceremonies in Washington and Southern California. Brian BeastMode Applebee also mentioned that once they had more information, they would communicate it to others.
Another person, Christopher Honeycutt, wrote, “😭 💔 Oh Erik Applebee, you were the very best of us. It’s not fair. I’m so sorry for this huge loss to your family. You were an exceptional & dynamic person. RIP 😭”
Many people have been severely affected by Dr. Erik Applebee’s death, and his absence will be felt keenly. We send our sympathies and support to his family, friends, coworkers, and the community during this difficult time.
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FAQs
Who is Dr. Erik Applebee?
How did Dr. Erik Applebee died?
Dr. Erik Applebee was a clinical psychologist and child welfare specialist who devoted his career to helping disadvantaged children and families, and he held various positions in Child Advocates and the University of Washington’s Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence.
The cause of Dr. Erik Applebee’s unexpected death, who was scheduled to start as the Regional Administrator of Child Welfare Field Operations in the Department of Children and Youth Services’ Region 4, has not been disclosed.