Matheson's resolution also extended condolences to their families and thanked the volunteers who participated in the drawn out rescue effort.
On Aug. 6, a massive tunnel collapse trapped six miners. The bodies of Kerry Allred, Don Erickson, Juan Carlos Payan, Brandon Phillips, Manuel Sanchez and Jose Luis Hernandez most likely will remain in the mountain. Three rescue workers - Gary Jensen, Brandon Kimber, and Dale "Bird" Black - died 10 days later in a subsequent cave-in.
Crandall Canyon is in Huntington, which is part of Matheson's 2nd Congressional District. Utah's other two House members, Reps. Chris Cannon and Rob Bishop also spoke to the resolution.
Cannon praised all miners for working in such a dangerous, yet vital field. "They work in darkness so the rest of us can work in light," he said.
Bishop promised that Utahns would not forget Crandall Canyon.
"The memory of these nine men will not be diminished," he said.
- Matt Canham
