Crews Recover Idaho Miner's Body

Simon Baker-Pool/Getty Images (File)(MULLAN, Idaho) -- Search crews on Sunday found the dead body of a miner who got trapped in an Idaho mine which collapsed on April 15.

The Hecla Mining Company (HCM) issued a news release saying that the body of Larry Marek was recovered on Sunday afternoon by crews. The company says the next step is to conduct an in-depth investigation into how and why the tragic incident occurred.

Earlier Sunday, company officials said they believed Marek was killed in the incident as he was “under the fall of ground” when the mine collapsed. Marek became trapped when part of the Lucky Friday mine in northern Idaho collapsed on April 15.

In a statement posted on the company’s website, HCM said, “Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel at the tragic loss of our friend, colleague and 30-year veteran of the mining industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends.”

Marek was employed with HCM for more than 12 years.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Trapped Idaho Miner Believed to be Dead

Simon Baker-Pool/Getty Images (File)(MULLAN, Idaho) -- A miner trapped in an Idaho mine which collapsed on April 15 is now believed to be dead, according to officials from the Hecla Mining Company (HCM).

The company issued a statement Sunday saying that officials believed that the miner, Larry Marek, was “under the fall of ground” when the collapse occurred, and that he is deceased. The company said crews spent days working to rescue Marek, and will continue to work to recover his body. Officials said they were not sure just exactly how long the recovery effort would last.

Marek became trapped when part of the Lucky Friday mine in northern Idaho collapsed on April 15.

In a statement posted on the company’s website, HCM said, “Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel at the tragic loss of our friend, colleague and 30-year veteran of the mining industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends.”

Marek was employed with HCM for more than 12 years.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio