Brian Hanson Obituary, Death Cause – A tragic incident occurred at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine over the weekend, resulting in the death of a mine worker. Authorities on Tuesday identified the deceased as 50-year-old Brian Hanson, a resident of Laurel, Montana.
According to a statement from the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office, which also serves as the county’s coroner, Hanson died on Saturday morning due to an electrical accident at the mine. His cause of death has been officially determined as electrocution. A more in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hanson’s death is now underway and will be conducted by the Montana State Crime Lab.
The fatal accident reportedly took place while Hanson was carrying out routine maintenance work on the east side of the mine. A representative from the mine told MTN News that immediately following the incident, all operations at the facility were suspended. On Monday, a small group of employees returned to work, but there is no clear timeline for when full mining operations will resume.
In addition to the local investigation, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has launched its own probe into the incident. The goal of the investigation is to determine what went wrong, assess potential safety violations, and recommend changes to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
This recent incident marks the fourth fatality at the Stillwater Mine within the past four years. In 2021, two employees lost their lives while traveling in an underground utility vehicle that was struck by a locomotive. More recently, in 2023, a contract worker from Moran Mining, a Canadian company, died after coming into contact with rotating machinery while operating a bolter.
Hanson’s death has once again drawn attention to the risks associated with mining and the importance of strict safety protocols. The mining company, Sibanye-Stillwater, has not released further details about what led to the electrocution or whether any equipment malfunction or procedural failure may have played a role.
While the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of another life at the facility. Colleagues and local residents remember Hanson as a dedicated worker who contributed significantly to the mine’s operations. His passing has left a deep impact on both his family and fellow employees, and officials are urging the public to respect the privacy of those affected during this difficult time.
In the coming weeks, authorities and mine regulators will be working together to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure the safety of workers moving forward. Until then, the mining community remains in a state of grief, reflecting on the dangers inherent to the profession and the need for continued improvements in workplace safety.
