Mining company: Trapped Idaho miner presumed dead

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Mining company: Trapped Idaho miner presumed dead
By KEITH RIDLER Associated Press
© 2011 The Associated Press
April 24, 2011, 12:29PM

BOISE, Idaho — An Idaho miner trapped underground nine days ago most likely was buried when the collapse occurred and is presumed to be dead, mining company officials said Sunday.

Hecla Mining Company President Phil Baker said that after days of an around-the-clock rescue effort, officials now believe 53-year-old Larry Marek did not survive the collapse inside the Lucky Friday Mine on April 15.

"We now believe that Larry was under the fall of ground when it occurred," Baker said in a video posted Sunday on Hecla's website.
He added, "Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel at the tragic loss of Larry."

The announcement follows more than a week of to reach the miner caught in the cave-in more than a mile underground. By Sunday, officials had determined he could not have survived.



Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7535171.html

[MineralMan]

1. Very sad. I feel for his family.

Mining is a dangerous occupation. No question about it.

[1620rock]

2. and for too little pay for what they must endure.