Lucien Chouinard, 22, Kirkland Lake, Ontario
“On August 9, 1947, Lucien Chouinard and a co-worker were sawing a piece of blocking when a rockburst occurred directly over their heads. The burst in this 4,900-level stope displaced about 100 tons of rock. Chouinard was almost completely buried in fallen rock… His co-worker received minor cuts and abrasions and a severe bruising but was not seriously injured. Dr. G.M. Cameron was called to the scene and remained there until the body of Chouinard was removed six hours after the burst. Death was caused by traumatic asphyxia resulting from a crushing weight of broken rock on his chest and abdomen… Lucien Chouinard was the eldest of a family of 12 children… He worked at the Lake Shore Mine but his plans did not include underground mining. In fact, he had mentioned to his friends that he did not like mining and would not stay in it for long. Chouinard had other plans. His plan was to work in the mine to make money so he could return to Queen’s University and become and engineer. He also had marriage plans, as he was engaged to Mary Ramsay of Kirkland Lake.”
- from Lamps Forever Lit – A Memorial to Kirkland Lake Area Miners, by Bernie Jaworsky. |
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22
years old
Buried under
fallen rock
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