Miner who went missing in flooding found dead in West Virginia after days-long search, governor says

The body of a miner who went missing in a flooded West Virginia coal mine over the weekend has been found, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morissey announced Thursday morning. Morissey identified the man as Steve Lipscomb. 

Crews discovered the miner’s body just after 7:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, about an hour and a half after the water levels inside Nicholas County’s Rolling Thunder Mine finally receded enough for them to safely enter and explore it, according to the governor.

“This morning’s news is absolutely heartbreaking,” Morissey and his wife said in a statement. “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.”  

The foreman was working alongside a crew when he became trapped Saturday afternoon inside the mine. Lipscomb disappeared about three-quarters of a mile into the complex, triggering a massive search and rescue effort.

Crews worked “around the clock” in 12-hour shifts during the search, the governor said. They pumped enormous amounts of water out of the mining complex and simultaneously drilled down into the tunnels in hopes of reaching Lipscomb, according to officials.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.