This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
KERRY ALLRED
A 58-year-old Cleveland, Utah, native who has worked in the mines for about 25 years. The father of three enjoys playing the guitar, singing and tinkering with automobiles.
DON ERICKSON
A Helper resident who worked for 12 years as a wrecker driver and manager for Helper Auto Sales before seeking better benefits in the mines. He enjoys hunting, Jeeps and campfire cooking.
JOSE LUIS HERNANDEZ
A 23-year-old immigrant from the town of Costa Rica in Sinaloa, Mexico. He has worked at Crandall Canyon since early this summer and has a 1-year-old daughter.
JUAN CARLOS PAYAN
A 22-year-old immigrant from the town of Pericos in Sinaloa, Mexico. He is described as a quiet, hard-working miner who simply earned his wage and returned home each night.
BRANDON PHILLIPS
A 24-year-old Orangeville native who has worked at the Crandall Canyon mine for just three weeks. His uncle was among 27 miners who died in the Wilberg mine fire in 1984.
MANUEL "MANNY" SANCHEZ
A veteran miner and father of four from Price. He earned the respect of colleagues through his self-deprecating humor and ability to "keep things light" under pressure.
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