A West Virginia coal miner who had been missing for more than a week inside a flooded mine was found dead Thursday morning, ending an exhaustive search that gripped the local community and mining industry.
The coal miner, identified as foreman Steve Lipscomb, 42, was from Elkview, West Virginia., was working alongside a 17-person crew when a pocket of water burst inside the Rolling Thunder Mine, flooding the tunnels. Lipscomb became trapped Saturday afternoon inside the mine, after rushing to help his crew escape the flooding. Alpha Metallurgical Resources, the mining company, said in a statement Thursday that “during routine operations, a crew in the underground mine encountered a sudden and substantial inflow of water .. He was last seen trying to ensure his crew made it out safely. All 17 other miners made it to safety.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced on X that at about 6 a.m. EST, “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. 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.” Morissey praised the rescue teams who worked “tirelessly” in dangerous conditions, adding that “their commitment and professionalism have been unwavering throughout the operation.” He added that mining is deeply woven into West Virginia’s identity: “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.”
Nicholas County Commissioner Garret Cole said the flooding occurred when miners struck a large pocket of water during routine operations. Lipscomb was believed to be trapped about three-quarters of a mile underground. Crews worked “around the clock” in 12-hour shifts, pumping millions of gallons of water from the mine and drilling new entry points in hopes of reaching him. By Tuesday, officials said water was being removed at a rate of roughly 6,000 gallons per minute, but the scale of flooding and blocked tunnels made progress slow and perilous. Dive teams were deployed several times but were unable to reach deep sections of the mine until water levels finally dropped this week. Lipscomb’s body was recovered shortly after 7:30 a.m., about 90 minutes after crews finally gained safe access to the mine.
Alpha Metallurgical Resources CEO Andy Eidson called Lipscomb’s death a devastating loss for the company and community: “Our hearts are broken. 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.”
This is the second mining fatality in West Virginia this month and the fifth in the state this year. A full investigation into the accident is being conducted by federal and state authorities.
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