Fatal Accident at Rasmussen Valley Project Site
Frank Julian Johnson, 55, of Chubbuck, died during an incident at the Rasmussen Valley Reclamation Project outside of Soda Springs last Tuesday at around 2:15 p.m.
The Caribou County Sheriff’s Office, as well as county emergency and onsite response units, were quickly on the scene of the incident.
Frank Johnson was working for Western States on Kiewit Mining Group equipment at the time of the incident.
We reached out to the Western States following the accident, and were given the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by a workplace incident that resulted in the loss of a team member. On behalf of Western States Equipment Company, our hearts are with the employee’s family, loved ones and coworkers during this very difficult time.”
“Our focus right now is on supporting those affected and cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities,” the statement continues. “Out of respect for the family, we will share additional information only as it is confirmed and appropriate. We appreciate your understanding and compassion in this difficult time.”
Kiewit Mining Group is the Itafos contractor for the Rasmussen Valley Reclamation Project. The reclamation site is not involved in ongoing mining operations, and work conducted there is performed in order to clean up and restore land affected by previous mining. The end goal is to return it to usable habitat, agricultural land, and natural terrain.
Caribou County Coroner Casey Batterton officially responded to the call, and you will find words from him inside the paper on page 3 expressing the large and respectful coordinated response on the part of all those involved.
In a community like Caribou County, which is both tightly knit and very much tied to the mining industry, news of the accident began to reach people by later in the day on which it occurred. Due to both privacy concerns as well as the investigative process that was kicked into motion immediately, official news took some time to be released. As the process continues, we will keep you informed on what is being done as a result of the tragedy.
Johnson’s arrangements are under the care of Cornelison Funeral Home in Pocatello.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb 27, followed by the funeral at 1:00 p.m. Cornelison is located at 431 N. 15th Ave in Pocatello. The Cornelison website has been gathering tributes to Johnson on his memorial page there, many of them from co-workers past and present. Condolences can also be sent to the family through the site.
