A missing miner trapped in a flooded West Virginia coal mine for nearly a week has been found dead, according to West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
“At approximately 6:00 a.m. this morning, water levels inside the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County had dropped enough for rescue teams to safely enter. The team began their search, examining each section as they went underground. At 7:37 a.m., a two-man team located the body of missing miner, Foreman Steve Lipscomb,” Morrisey said in a statement posted to X.
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, the company that owns the mine where Lipscomb was trapped, also confirmed Lipscomb’s death in a statement obtained by ABC News.
“During routine operations, an underground mine team found a sudden and substantial influx of water. Tragically, Steven Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, W. Va., was unable to reach safety. “He was last seen trying to make sure his crew got out safely,” the statement reads.
“Our hearts are broken,” Andy Eidson, CEO of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, said in the statement. “Steve joined our company in 2006 and was a dedicated employee, a respected leader and a friend to many. His actions in ensuring the safety of his crew members were heroic. On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, two children and all who knew and cared for him.”
Rescuers had been searching for Lipscomb, whose name was not immediately released, since Saturday, when he became trapped in the flooded mine. Crews pumped 6,000 gallons of water per minute from the mine, Morrisey said earlier this week.
“The big strategic objective right now is to drain as much water as possible, so that mine rescuers can have the opportunity to get in and continue their search,” Governor Morrisey said. he said at a news conference on Wednesdayadding that it was draining at a rate of about one inch of water per hour. “On the other hand, there is an effort to open a hole to be able to make the drill and finally have a capsule that goes down.”
Allegheny Mountains
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Morrisey said Monday that diving teams were working to find air pockets where the miner could be located while the mine was being drained.
“This has been a non-stop response since Saturday and we will continue to do everything imaginable to help,” Morrisey said. “We’re going to keep pushing, because we want to make sure we give the miner every chance to live.”
Lipscomb’s death at the Rolling Thunder mine is the second miner death in West Virginia this month, following the death of another miner at a different mine last Thursday, according to Morrisey.
“Our coal miners are among the hardest-working and bravest people in our state. They embody the strength, humility and determination that define West Virginia. We owe these men and women a lasting debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day to advance our communities and our nation.” Morrisey posted on Facebook earlier this month.
