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TUOLUMNE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
P R E S S R E L E A S E
P R E S S R E L E A S E
Event: Mine Rescue
Location: 21000 Blk. Of Jack Page Rd
Date of Incident: August 16, 2008
Date of Press Release: August 16, 2008
SUMMARY
On August 16, 2008, at approximately 10:30 A.M., Tuolumne County Sheriff’s and Tuolumne County SAR was dispatched to a reported mine rescue in the 21000 Block of Jack Page Rd., located outside the City of Sonora CA. Sheriff’s SAR Coordinator Cpl. Kelly Dickson responded to the area. He made contact with the reporting party, who were the victim’s parents and an unidentified friend. The victim is 34 year old Darvis Lee Jr., from Sonora CA.
The friend reported that he and Lee came to the mine on August 15, 2008 at approximately 9 P.M. Lee went to explore the mine for approximately 1 hour. After an hour, the friend left thinking Lee would be out shortly.
On the morning of August 16, 2008, the friend noticed Lee had not returned home. He went back to the mine and noticed Lee had personal effects left at the entrance of the mine. He thought Lee might still be in the mine. A local neighbor, Donald Nute, who was familiar with the mine, went to check for Lee. He was able to make verbal contact with Lee. Lee reported that he had injuries to his legs.
Due to the exigency, Tuolumne County SAR members prepared for a technical rescue to recover Lee. During the attempt, the SAR team had some technical difficulties and requested additional resources to the scene.
California Office of Emergency Services (CA OES) was contacted and resources as far away as Los Angeles and Kern Counties were requested.
At the time of this press release, Resources were still enroute to the scene.
