Additional Coverage:
Miner Trapped in Flooded West Virginia Mine Found Dead
NICHOLAS COUNTY, W.Va. – After nearly a week of intense rescue efforts, the search for a missing miner trapped in a flooded West Virginia coal mine has concluded with the heartbreaking discovery of his body. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the fatality, identifying the miner as foreman Steve Lipscomb.
Morrisey released a statement detailing the timeline of the discovery. “At approximately 6:00 a.m. this morning, water levels inside the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County had receded sufficiently for rescue crews to safely enter.
The team began their search, examining every section as they advanced underground. At 7:37 a.m., one two-man team located the body of the missing miner, foreman Steve Lipscomb,” the statement read.
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, the owner of the mine, also confirmed Lipscomb’s death. In a statement, the company revealed the circumstances of the tragedy: “During routine operations, a crew in the underground mine encountered a sudden and substantial inflow of water.
Tragically, Steven Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, W. Va., was unable to reach safety.
He was last seen attempting to ensure his crew made it out safely.”
Andy Eidson, CEO of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, expressed profound sorrow. “Our hearts are broken,” Eidson stated.
“Steve joined our company in 2006 and was a dedicated employee, respected leader and friend to many. His actions to ensure the safety of his crew members were heroic.
On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to his wife, two children and all who knew and cared for him.”
Rescue crews had been working tirelessly since Saturday, pumping an astonishing 6,000 gallons of water per minute from the mine in an effort to reach Lipscomb. Governor Morrisey had previously outlined the “big strategic goal” to drain water, allowing rescue teams to enter and conduct a thorough search. Dive teams were also deployed earlier in the week, exploring potential air pockets where the miner might have sought refuge.
“This has been an around-the-clock response since Saturday, and we’re going to continue to do everything imaginable to help,” Morrisey had affirmed, underscoring the relentless commitment to the rescue operation.
Lipscomb’s death marks the second mining fatality in West Virginia this month. Governor Morrisey had earlier lauded the state’s coal miners, acknowledging their courage and the sacrifices they make.
“Our coal miners are among the hardest-working and most courageous people in our state. They represent the strength, humility, and resolve that define West Virginia.
We owe these men and women an enduring debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day to power our communities and our nation,” he posted.