A Carbon County man was killed in an industrial accident late Tuesday night while working at the White Oak Mining and Construction site in Helper.
Killed was:James Popejoy, 29, Wellington.
Popejoy was attempting to transport material from the surface storage area of the mining property to an underground storage area, said David Dyches, employee relations manager of White Oak.
No one actually saw what happened to Popejoy, so mine officials aren't sure exactly what caused the accident or how he died, Dyches said.
Another employee heard a large noise about 11:30 p.m., which investigators believe was a piece of the machinery hitting a guard rail, Dyches said. Popejoy wasn't in the driver's compartment of the Eimco 975, which was equipped with a material-hauling trailer.
"We won't really actually know what happened until the investigators finish piecing it together," Dyches said. "We've got some theories."
Popejoy suffered head injuries in the accident, and despite resuscitation efforts at the scene by an EMT, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Castle View Hospital in Price.
Dyches said Popejoy's death is the second in the White Oak Mine's history. The mine's been in operation for about 21/2 years.
The Carbon County sheriff's department is investigating the death. In addition to the local police investigation, the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the mining company are each conducting separate investigations.
MSHA has secured the accident scene and ordered the machinery involved not to be moved until the investigation is finished. Dyches said MSHA might have preliminary findings sometime Wednesday, but the company's investigation could take another week or so.
"We should have something by the first of the year," he said. White Oak has voluntarily suspended mining operations for at least 24 hours because of the death, Dyches said.
Funeral arrangements for Popejoy are pending. An experienced worker in heavy industry, he leaves behind a wife, Stacey Popejoy.