PROMONTORY POINT — A local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leader died while working at the mineral ponds near Promontory Point.
The family of Mitchel Shaw, 46, of Riverdale, became worried when he did not arrive home after spending the day alone driving a front loader at the ponds, Box Elder County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Kevin Potter said.
The family headed north to check on Shaw and found him dead. Box Elder dispatch received the call about the death at 1:48 a.m. Tuesday.
Deputies believe Shaw reached into the arm of the machine and was crushed.
“Our investigators think the hydraulics failed for some reason,” Potter said.
Shaw’s work at the ponds was part of a small family business. Potter said his work included driving the front loader and leveling the ponds.
Besides that, he was also the stake president for the LDS Church in Riverdale. He became president in June 2010.
“He was a wonderful, wonderful man,” said LDS Bishop James Aurich, of the same ward. “He was very kind, very loved. His whole family is wonderful, through and through.”
Shawn Carrigan, Shaw’s brother-in-law, remembered him as an inspiring man who was “full of compassion. He really sought out those who needed the help.”
Carrigan also extended his thanks to their community, family and friends for their outpouring of support on Tuesday. By 7 p.m., they had left chalk messages on the sidewalk in front of the Shaw family home, white ribbons tied to bushes, and paper flowers spread out in the front lawn with condolences written on them, he said.
People also wrote their favorite thoughts and memories about Shaw in a book left in front of the family’s home.
A family friend set up a fundraiser for Shaw’s family with their permission.
“Mitch will best be remembered in the service of others. He was always right where he needed to be, offering helping hands, loving prayers and words of encouragement,” the website reads.
The Web page can be found at pledgie.com/campaigns/17226. As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, the drive had raised more than $1,000.
Shaw’s body was being taken to the medical examiner’s office in Salt Lake City.
Comments