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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Investigation planned in miner’s death

From staff reports
The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration will thoroughly investigate the cause of the roof collapse at the Lucky Friday Mine that killed an employee, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said today. The body of Larry “Pete” Marek was recovered Sunday after more than a week of round-the-clock efforts to locate him. Marek did not survive the April 15 collapse at the silver mine “No miner should ever have to die for a paycheck,” Solis said in a statement. “Larry’s family deserves to have answers, and we will continue our efforts to insist on safety and protection of all workers.” Solis also sent condolences to Marek’s family, friends and co-workers. And she praised the work of the rescue teams, which included federal, state and company officials, miners and emergency personal. They deserve “our utmost gratitude for their efforts to find Larry and return him to his family,” Solis said.