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Mine Owner: They're Probably Dead

Miners' bodies may never be recovered

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 21, 2007 7:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – The trapped Utah miners are most likely dead, and their bodies may never be recovered, mine owner Robert Murray acknowledged to bereaved family members last night. Following the death of three rescuers—and a report from mining experts concluding that further attempts would be an unacceptable risk—underground rescue efforts have been suspended indefinitely.

Experts concluded that the mine is "structurally unstable," and would remain that way for some time, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. In addition, they said underground rescue attempts weren't warranted, given the lack of any sign the men are alive. Family members were not happy. "My brother is trapped underground and I'm hearing that they're basically giving up and that's unacceptable," said the brother of one of the miners.

Robert Murray, center, founder and chairman of Cleveland-based Murray Energy Corp., speaks during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine, in northwest of Huntington, Utah on Monday, Aug. 20, 2007.  The once-outspoken Murray had been noticeably absent from meetings with relatives and from news briefings since...
Robert Murray, center, founder and chairman of Cleveland-based Murray Energy Corp., speaks during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine, in northwest of Huntington, Utah on Monday,...   (Associated Press)
A tattered sign supporting six trapped miners inside the Crandall Canyon Mine is seen on Monday morning, Aug. 20, 2007, in Huntington, Utah.  A mine company attorney says safety experts believe the mountain where six miners are missing is too unstable to allow drilling a bigger hole and sending in...
A tattered sign supporting six trapped miners inside the Crandall Canyon Mine is seen on Monday morning, Aug. 20, 2007, in Huntington, Utah. A mine company attorney says safety experts believe the mountain...   (Associated Press)
Robert Murray, founder and chairman of Cleveland-based Murray Energy Corp., pauses while speaking during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine, in northwest of Huntington, Utah on Monday, Aug. 20, 2007.  Faced with a backlash over dimming hopes, the coal mine boss broke his self-imposed silence...
Robert Murray, founder and chairman of Cleveland-based Murray Energy Corp., pauses while speaking during a news conference at the entrance to the Crandall Canyon Mine, in northwest of Huntington, Utah...   (Associated Press)
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