A miner who went missing after a sudden flood at a West Virginia mine has been found dead, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The body of foreman Steve Lipscomb was located shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time on Nov. 13, according to an announcement on X from Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
Rescue crews were able to reenter the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County around 6 a.m. after water levels dropped enough to allow safe access. A two-person recovery team discovered Lipscomb’s remains about an hour and a half later.
Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc., the company that operates the mine, confirmed Lipscomb’s death in a statement.
“This morning’s news is absolutely heartbreaking,” Morrisey said. “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 mine, located near Belva, W.V., flooded on Saturday, Nov. 8 when “a crew in the underground mine encountered a sudden and substantial inflow of water” during what the company described as routine operations.
Officials determined the flooding occurred when “an old mine wall was compromised,” according to a previous post on X from Morrisey.
Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, “was last seen attempting to ensure his crew made it out safely,” Alpha said.
Rescue teams worked continuously in 12-hour rotations over several days as they searched for the missing foreman.
“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,” Morrisey said. “Their commitment and teamwork reflect the very best of West Virginia.”
Lipscomb, who joined Alpha in 2006, was remembered by Alpha CEO Andy Eidson as “a dedicated employee, respected leader and friend to many.”
“His actions to ensure the safety of his crew members were heroic,” Eidson said. “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.”
He added that the company is grateful to all who assisted in the rescue and recovery operation: “We are deeply saddened by the outcome, but thankful for the courage, professionalism and perseverance of these responders.”
Morrisey also shared that he and First Lady Denise Morrisey “are keeping Mr. Lipscomb’s family, friends, and fellow workers in their prayers,” noting the close-knit nature of the state’s mining community. “When tragedy strikes, we grieve together, we stand together, and we support one another as one West Virginia family.”
Lipscomb’s passing marks the third mining-related death at an Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc. facility in West Virginia this year, according to the Associated Press. Two earlier fatalities occurred in Raleigh County — one on Feb. 28, when falling rib rock killed 46-year-old Billy Stalker, and another on Aug. 26, when an elevator accident claimed the life of 41-year-old electrician Eric Bartram.
Alpha stated that it “is working closely with federal and state authorities to conduct a thorough investigation” into the flooding incident and its causes.
