Sago Mine Survivor Is Released From Hospital, holds news conference

NYT/AP: Sago Mine Survivor Is Released From Hospital
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 30, 2006

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Sago Mine survivor Randal McCloy Jr., looking thin and stiff but walking on his own, offered his gratitude Thursday as he was released from a hospital Thursday after almost three months.

"I'd just like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and I think that's it," McCloy said softly, wearing a ball cap and a racing-team jacket at a morning news conference.

His wife, Anna, who stayed with him throughout his recovery, added her own thanks. "Today is another part of our miracle," she said.

Doctors cannot explain why McCloy, who was trapped in the mine for more than 40 hours, survived while 12 other men died.

"There are 12 families who are in our thoughts and prayers today and every day. The families of Randy's co-workers and friends are celebrating with us today just as we continue to mourn with them. Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers," Anna McCloy said....

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Mine-Explosion-Survivor.html?hp&ex=1143781200&en=8d6fe3522d4a9aa9&ei=5094&partner=homepage

have brain damage at the least.
I'm happy for Randy and his family!

I remain convinced it didn't need to happen and probably wouldn't have happened in Canada, where they have instituted the most advanced protection measures (escape "pods," etc.).


I'm glad that for now he is focusing on recovery and the future, with respect and sensitivity for the families of those not so lucky. Someone, though needs to carry that resentment and anger for this needless tragedy to change--Unfortunately, like the forgotten poor during Katrina, our government and corporate America finds these miners to be expendable.

Good for Randy--a moment of happiness wrought from great tragedy...

a little blip I heard some time ago was:

the trapped miners decided they would give Randy
their supply of oxygen with the hope it would
give him the best chance for survival until the rescue.

weather this is true or not remains to be seen-