2012-09-12_REVISION - M1980244 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Mary McKinney mine along with fifteen other mines in the area, were reclaimed in November 1986. Mr. J. David Holm, Program Supervisor with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Mined Land Reclamation Division was one of my contact people. Also, Mr. Robert H. Hagen of the U.S. Department of Interior, Albuquerque Field Office was a person with whom I had contact. A memorial plaque handmade of Navy Bronze by my oldest son Donald Tease was placed at the site on the one year anniversary of Wayne's death. Also, U.S. Senator Gary Hart's office placed an evergreen tree at the site of the accident. Other trees were planted at the site but failed to grow. U.S. Senator Arlen Spector was responsible for contacting the correct agencies in regards to my attempts to know for sure that Wayne's body was at the bottom of the mine. Senator Spector was instrumental in obtaining a camera which was lowered into the mine and finally located Wayne's body. I believe that the films are in the possession of your Division. Six gentlemen representing various Colorado State and United States Governments came to my home in Pennsylvania in August 1986 and showed the film to my husband and oldest son. Because the film was horrific, it was decided that it was best that I did not view the film. However, snapshots were taken of different parts of the film to prove to me that Wayne was indeed at the bottom of the mine. U.S. Representative Lawrence Coughlin's Office also participated in the investigation as to how this mine could have stayed open without secure fence or signs placed around it. There were some old paper signs hardly readable on various burnt and dilapidated buildings warning people to stay away as well as a very, very old rusted fence consisting of fallen down posts and one string of barbed wire. The fencing was certainly not enough to keep a person from falling into the mine. A death certificate was issued to me by the State of Colorado (Teller County Coroner's Office). Many agencies and folks were so very helpful and kind in helping me to find answers to how this accident could have occurred. The mine is recognized to be a grave in the Colorado Archives - Cemetery Project. Now that you have some history, I would like to bring to your attention the purpose of my letter. A family member visits the Mary McKinney yearly. This month, my oldest Son, visited the Mary McKinney Mine to pay his respects to Wayne and noticed that there is quite a bit of activity near and around the Mary McKinney. I contacted the mining company and spoke to Jane Mannon, a spokesperson with the Cripple Creek and Victor Mining Company (who now mines in this area). She told me that within the next two to three years, the mining company plans to place a leaching pond near the Mary McKinney Mine and that the memorial plaque will be removed and taken to another area. When I explained to Ms. Mannon that the mine site is a grave site, she stated that I would have to prove it to her because the mining company can do what they like - that it is private property. MY SON'S REMAINS ARE NOT THEIR PROPERTY. I am appealing to you, Director Pineda, not to authorize any permits that the mining company may request to place a leaching pond on or near my son's grave. I know that there are laws that protect and preserve grave sites. The site where Wayne's remains lay are all that the family has. Please, please do not allow a leaching pond to be constructed in this area. Or if a leaching pond has to be installed, that my son's remains be retrieved and returned to our family.