Several reports issued over the past year have cast blame on the mine operator, Crandall Canyon's mining engineering consultant Agapito Associates Inc., and on the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration. After MSHA completed its investigation, it proposed fining Genwal a historic $1.3 million and Agapito $220,000. It is expected those fines will be appealed.

The closest thing to a comment from Murray in recent months came from a statement by an attorney for Genwal July 24, when MSHA disclosed the results of its investigation into the Crandall Canyon disaster.

"In closing, it should be noted that while Genwal and our related companies have safely mined for millions of man-hours, there is no more humbling experience than a tragedy of this magnitude," the statement read. "And we'll never forget the heroism we saw across the spectrum from the families of loved ones, to employees, to MSHA's own inspector, (Gary) "Gibb" Jensen, who gave his life trying to save others."

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Today: A mine disaster hits home, impacts felt afar.

Monday: A sculptor's heartfelt tribute to the miners.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com