A 28-year-old man from Moab was involved in a fatal mine accident at the Pandora Mine in La Sal.

San Juan County Sheriff Mike Lacy stated that Hunter Diehl was killed May 26 while mining underground.

Apparently, the victim was prying rocks that had been blasted the night before. A large rock came loose and struck the victim in the back.

A co-worker spotted Diehl blinking a light and came to his aid. After talking with the victim, the co-worker went for help. When he returned, he found the victim unconscious. While waiting for help, Diehl quit breathing. CPR was initiated.

The victim was transported to San Juan Hospital in Monticello, where he was pronounced dead. MSHA and the San Juan County Sheriff are investigating the accident.

The Pandora Mine, owned by Denison Mines, employs approximately 25 miners. The mine closed for years but re-opened four years ago when uranium prices increased.