Sunshine Mine Fire remembered after 52 years in Shoshone County

Kyrin Huber extinguishes the light on a miners hat during the memorial ceremony for the 91 lives lost in the Sunshine Mine fire May 2, 1972. Today also marked the second anniversary of Idaho's statewide Miners’ Memorial Day in memory of the lives lost.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press

Kellogg students in JROTC served as a color guard for the Sunshine Mine Fire Memorial Thursday. Left to right: Cadet Sergeant Tessa Hodgman-Richter, Cadet Staff Sergeant Josh Salvador, Cadet Corporal Mattix Harris and Cadet Lance Corporal Braiden Milan.

Tanya Hottel and Michael Koenig share an emotional hug during Dusty Ham's performance of his song, "91 Sons."

91 chairs faced the audience arranged according to the levels where the miners were rescued as part of the Sunshine Mine Fire Memorial ceremony Thursday.

Andrew Lewis turns off the light on the mining headlight signifying their passing at the mining memorial in Big Creek.

Individual markers for the fallen miners populate the miners memorial in Big Creek.

Behind a podium with a wreath emblazoned with the words "always remember," Bob Delbridge addresses the assembly in Big Creek.

The Miners Memorial at Big Creek

by CAROLYN BOSTICK
Staff Writer | May 3, 2024 1:08 AM

BIG CREEK — In the shadow of the statue that memorializes the miners who lost their lives May 2, 1972, students from Kellogg High School clasped mining helmets with the lights still on.

Ninety-one helmets symbolized the 91 miners who were unable to resurface during the Sunshine Mine Fire. The community gathered together to mark the day over five decades later.

Two years ago, the state of Idaho declared May 2 as Miners Memorial Day in honor of the 91 miners. On Thursday, Michael Koenig and Tanya Hottel embraced as musician and miner Dusty Ham performed his ballad, “91 Sons,” as a tribute to the miners who lost their lives.

“I tried to feel a fraction of what the miners felt on May 2 in '72,” Ham recalled of his songwriting process.

Ham came back to Shoshone County directly off a shift working at the Elko mine to make the ceremony.

As an Osburn native, Koenig says, he tries to volunteer with the event when he can. This year, he helped with the musical setup and setting up chairs.

“It’s still pretty fresh to most of the families,” Koenig said.

Although she was young and living in Seattle when the fire happened, Hottel recalls watching the news on television.

“I remember standing in front of the console television and watching my mom cry for the families of the miners,” Hottel said.

The weather kept warm and sunny throughout the ceremony, something organizer Bob Delbridge refused to take for granted.

“We thought there was going to be rain at one time, snow at one time, 40 degrees. It seems like every year, the miners are watching over us,” he said.

He introduced the keynote speaker, Sam Ash, who is CEO of Bunker Hill Mining.

“The impact of that tragedy cannot be overstated,” Ash said. “Not only did it tear 91 families apart, but it also tore a community apart in the Silver Valley.”

Reflecting on the families and survivors of the disaster, Ash noted the sacrifice many families made.

“I’ve heard a lot of stories about a community coming together, sacrificing and putting everything they had into rebuilding lives. That’s an important part of the legacy of the Sunshine Mine Fire,” Ash said.

Shoshone County Clerk Peggy White expressed gratitude that the memorial markers arrived this morning after being ordered months ago, and she said she hoped the youth in attendance would continue to remember those who lost their lives.

“You kids are carrying our stories. We hope you guys learn something from us," White said.

One by one, headlamps were extinguished on the mining helmets by students as names were read of the fallen by the mine elevations. A list was also read of the miners who survived the initial fire and later passed away.