From Lt. Dave Mitchell, Iron County Sheriff’s Office
On November 5, 2024, a rescue operation was initiated after a report indicated that a man had fallen approximately 50 feet down a vertical mine shaft in a remote area of Hamblin Valley. Dispatch received the call at 3:46 PM, leading to the immediate deployment of deputies from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, Gold Cross medical units, and a life flight helicopter to the scene.
Upon arrival, responders found that the victim, a forty-nine-year-old male, was responsive but incoherent. Given the conditions, the Iron County Sheriff’s Office technical Ropes rescue team was activated to assist with the extraction efforts. Due to concerns about air quality in the mine, the St. George Fire Department’s Southwest Regional Confined Space Rescue team was also asked to assist.
Life Flight arrived on the scene first and made verbal contact with the victim. Unfortunately, Life Flight had to leave to refuel, but worsening weather conditions prevented them from providing further assistance after refueling. A Gold Cross ambulance was on site and requested support from Mercy Air, but they also declined to respond due to the bad weather.
Rescuers successfully lowered a team member into the mine to assist the injured man, who was suffering from a significant head injury. The team managed to secure the man onto a litter and began the ascent back to the surface. Upon reaching the surface, the victim’s condition deteriorated, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Emergency medical personnel quickly transported the man to St. George Hospital for further treatment, where he is currently being assessed. The cause of the fall remains under investigation. Preliminary information suggests that the man may have been preparing to descend into the mine when the edge gave way. An examination of the site revealed disturbed soil and no signs of anchor failure, indicating potentially hazardous conditions.
The community is reminded of the risks associated with abandoned mines and the importance of adhering to safety precautions