Workers Recover Body of Trapped Idaho Miner

1. BOISE, Idaho –  
Workers at a northern Idaho silver mine have recovered the body of a miner who was trapped when a tunnel collapsed nine days ago, the mine's operator said Sunday.
2. The body of Larry Marek, 53, was discovered Sunday afternoon, Hecla Mining Co. said in a news release.
3. "Words cannot express the deep sorrow we feel at the tragic loss of our friend, colleague and 30-year veteran of the mining industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and friends," the company's statement said.
4. The announcement follows more than a week of efforts to reach Marek, who was caught in the cave-in more than a mile underground. By Sunday, officials had determined he could not have survived.
5. "Based on crew observations of the area where the fall of ground occurred and crewmember experience in similar situations, we believe Larry is deceased," company spokeswoman Stefany Bales said earlier Sunday as she announced the rescue mission had become a recovery operation.