Preliminary Report - Fatality #25 - December 9, 2010

On Dec 9, 2010, Jesus De Luna, a 61-year old plant operator, was working on an elevated platform when a water hose burst, knocking him over the handrail. He fell 34 feet and sustained fractures to seven ribs, severe lung and shoulder injuries and a vertebral fracture, which left him without use of his legs. He was hospitalized multiple times due to his injuries, and he died on July 26, 2012. The death certificate indicated that the manner of death was accidental and due to the complications of paraplegia secondary to the fall. Based on the findings of the death certificate, the medical examiner's report, and the MSHA investigation, the Fatality Review Committee concluded that his death was accidental and should be charged to the mining industry.