Charleston, W.Va. — Governor Morrisey issued the following statement after the tragedy at Rolling Thunder Mine:
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.
