LOCAL NEWS

Fairview man killed when flash flood hits Emery County mine

Aug 2, 2021, 1:01 PM | Updated: Aug 17, 2023, 12:53 pm

(Emery County Sheriff's Office)...

(Emery County Sheriff's Office)

(Emery County Sheriff's Office)

HUNTINGTON, Utah — One man was killed after a flash flood hit the Gentry Mountain Mine, according to officials with the Emery County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said floodwaters hit the surface of the mine, which is located in a side canyon in Huntington Canyon, just after 10 p.m. Sunday.

“As mine crews were heading up the hill to enter the Gentry Mountain coal mine, crews witnessed a wall of water and debris coming down Bear Canyon,” officials said.

(Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office) (Emery County Sheriff's Office)

Floodwaters and debris stuck three mine vehicles during the flood. The driver of the first truck was able to reach out and grab a tree, which pulled him from the vehicle.

Authorities said he was pushed a quarter-mile down the canyon before being transported to an area hospital. The man is expected to survive.

A second vehicle, which was carrying eight men, was struck by debris and rolled four times. Deputies said crews were able to kick out the windows and escape to safety.

The third vehicle was further down the canyon and saw the debris and floodwaters approaching them.

“When they saw the wall of water and debris, they were able to reverse the vehicle and attempted to move it out of the direct path of the flood but were unable to do so,” ECSO officials said. “They then exited to higher ground, but water and debris swept on both sides of them. One man was swept into the water and carried downstream.”

Authorities identified the victim as 48-year-old Gary Nelson, of Fairview, and said he had worked at the mine for the past 10 years.

Search and rescue crews recovered his body approximately 6 miles downstream around 11:15 a.m. Monday.

Officials said no underground personnel was impacted by the flood.

Emery County deputies said a GoFundMe* account has been established for Nelson’s wife and three daughters.


*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

9 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

10 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

11 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

12 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

13 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

14 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Fairview man killed when flash flood hits Emery County mine