A contract worker at CML Metals iron mine in Iron County, UT died after apparently getting trapped in a conveyer belt on Feb. 1, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

The 56-year-old worker, Mark Rowley, of Cedar City, was killed at the Comstock/Mountain Lion iron ore mine about 5:50 p.m. Feb. 1.

Emergency responders arrived at the mine site to find Rowley trapped in the machinery; they tried to save his life, but he died at the scene, according to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office believes Rowley’s death was an accident. He was working alone at the time.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration spokeswoman Amy Louviere said they are still investigating how Rowley got caught in the conveyor belt. She noted that the investigation is still "very preliminary."

CML Metals actively mines iron ore from the Comstock/Mountain Lion Mine, which is west of Cedar City.