TRAGIC END: Body of a coal miner found in flooded West Virginia mine, final act praised

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From the Associated Press: The body of a coal miner was found early Thursday in a mine that flooded in southern West Virginia, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.

Machines had been pumping water out of Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc.’s Rolling Thunder Mine near Belva, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of the state capital of Charleston. The water receded enough for rescue crews to safely enter Thursday morning, and they found foreman Steve Lipscomb dead less than two hours later, Morrisey said in a statement on social media.

The report explains that on Saturday, the crew of miners struck an unknown pocket of water about three-quarters of a mile into the mine, which then flooded after an old mine wall was “compromised.”

Alpha CEO Andy Eidson said Lipscomb, 42, was last seen trying to make sure his crew escaped from the flooded mine. He had worked for the mine since 2006.

“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,” Eidson said.

All the other miners were able to make it out safely.

Gov. Morrisey released the following statement on X:

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.

Crews had worked tirelessly around the clock in 12-hour shifts in a search for their colleague. Each shift included roughly 15 workers underground, 8 on the surface coordinating and loading supplies, and another 8 staging and fusing a new waterline. Their commitment and professionalism have been unwavering throughout the operation.

Governor Patrick Morrisey and First Lady Denise Morrisey were heartbroken to learn of this tragic loss and are keeping Mr. Lipscomb’s family, friends, and fellow workers in their prayers. Today, we grieve for this terrible tragedy and honor the life of one of our own.

“This morning’s news is absolutely heartbreaking. Denise and I are devastated to learn of the loss of Mr. Lipscomb, and we are praying for his family, friends, and co-workers during this difficult time.

Over the past several days, crews have worked around the clock with courage, skill, and determination, doing everything humanly possible to bring their colleague home. Their commitment and teamwork reflect the very best of West Virginia.

Our state knows this kind of pain all too well. Mining is more than an industry here — it’s a brotherhood, a way of life, and a source of pride. When tragedy strikes, we grieve together, we stand together, and we support one another as one West Virginia family.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) released the following statement:

Tragic news out of our state this morning with the loss of Steve Lipscomb. Charlie and I offer our most sincere condolences to his friends, family, and co-workers during this difficult time.

Miners represent the very best of West Virginia and this community is deeply ingrained in our state’s history.

I’ve been deeply inspired by our heroic first responders and divers doing everything possible to bring their colleague home to his loved ones. They demonstrated immense courage and resilience in the face of treacherous circumstances and I thank them for their efforts.

Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) wrote, “Cathy and I are heartbroken over the passing of foreman Steve Lipscomb. We will continue to pray for his loved ones and the entire mining family. Thank you to the teams on the ground who worked nonstop to bring Steve home and to the communities around West Virginia for pulling together during this tough time.”

Former Sen. Joe Manchin (D) also paid tribute to Lipscomb, writing:

Gayle and I are heartbroken to hear that coal miner Steve Lipscomb, a foreman at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, was found dead this morning following the flooding of the mine on Saturday. We’re thankful for the heroic efforts of mine rescue workers and volunteers who have been working around the clock on the search and rescue efforts.

Our brave coal miners go into the mines each and every day to help power our nation and to provide for their families. Miners like Steve are the backbone of our state, and a tragedy like this deeply impacts all of us.

Please join us in praying for Steve’s family, friends, and loved ones as they grieve this unconscionable loss.

READ MORE from the Associated Press.

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