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 around-the-clock rescue efforts, 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 efforts to reach Marek, who was caught in the cave-in more than a mile underground. By Sunday, officials had determined he could not have survived.