Potash Mine accident kills two, leaves one unconscious

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office released a press release Saturday, Nov. 10, informing of an accident that took place in North San Juan County that morning. The accident claimed the lives of two men, one of them a Monticello native.
“Today, just after 12 o’clock noon at the Potash Mine, three men were electrocuted when the industrial equipment they were operating touched a power line.
“Russell Helquist and Matthew Johnston died at the scene while the third victim, Arthur Secrest, was found unconscious but breathing. He was flown to a medical facility in Salt Lake. All men were living in the Moab area.
“The incident is still under investigation. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of these good men,” the release read.
Grand County Sheriff’s deputies responded along with the San Juan County Sheriff’s office at the time of the accident.
Seacrest was flown to the University of Utah and is thought to be in stable condition.
The San Juan Record would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Helquist and Johnston families.
Funeral services for Russell John Helquist will be held Saturday, November 17. A viewing will be held on Friday, November 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 701 Locust Lane in Moab, UT. A second viewing will be held on Saturday, November 17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at LDS North Chapel, located at 347 North 200 West in Monticello, UT. Funeral services will follow the viewing at 12 p.m. Interment in the Monticello Cemetery.