Man dies after falling down mine shaft

A California man died after he fell into a mine shaft near Smith Valley on Saturday morning, according to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

Terry Berardy of Mokelunke, Calif., was unconscious and unresponsive aftfer he was extricated from the shaft in the area of Ludwig Mine.

Deputies and other emergency workers from Lyon County Search and Rescue, Mason Valley firefighters and the Washoe County Hasty Team assisted with the rescue and extraction.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after workers extricated him from the mine shaft. No one else was injured, according to deputies.

Berardy had fallen at least 80 feet down the shaft as he and other friends and relatives were exploring the area, which is located along the mountain range between Yerington and Smith Valley.

The investigation is continuing.