Loyal Lee Alexander

Vale, SD

1935, 2751, Oreville, F-16, Timber Conservation
1936, 793, Hill City, F-9, Forestry

Deadwood Pioneer Times - Deadwood, South Dakota - November 12, 1953

Miner Hurt Fatally In Accident

Loyal Alexander Of Lead Pinned When Large Rock Falls

Loyal Alexander, 42, Lead, died at Homestake Hospital at 2 o'clock this afternoon from injuries sustained in an accident in the Homestake mine this morning.

He was pinned by both legs when a large rock which was loose fell. The accident occurred about 9:30.

The attending physician said this afternoon that Alexander sustained multiple fractures of both legs, multiple fractures to the back and multiple fractures to the left arm.

According to Homestake Mining Co. officials, Alexander and his partner, Forrest R. Eby, were working just below the 3350 level in 6 stope in No. 9 Ledge near Ross Shaft.

Eby told mine officials the following account of the accident:

He and Alexander were barring on a loose rock. They knew the rock was loose but decided they couldn't get it down without blasting.

Eby moved back and Alexander started to move around the rock preparatory to plugging it.

Apparently he underestimated the extent of the rock and moved too close to it. As he neared the end of the rock, it fell, striking him on the left shoulder.

Alexander was pinned by both legs.

Eby with the assistance of other miners pulled his partner out. He was put on a stretcher and taken out through Ross Shaft to the Homestake Hospital.

Alexander, father of five children, started work at the mine in 1950. The family lives on Houston Street in Lead.

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