RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A veteran coal miner was killed in an underground accident at the Black Eagle mine in Raleigh County on February 28, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
The miner has been identified as Billy Stalker, a longtime employee of Pikeville, Kentucky-based Wright Concrete & Construction’s underground division.
Stalker had worked in the coal mining industry for nearly 30 years, spending over a decade with Wright Concrete, where he specialized in installing underground mine seals to improve safety.
The accident occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. and was classified by MSHA as a “Fall of Face, Rib, Side or Highwall” incident, indicating a collapse within the mine.
The Black Eagle mine, operated by Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc., produces bituminous coal.
Wright Concrete described Stalker as an exceptional leader, husband, father, and friend, calling his death “one of the worst days” in the company’s 30-year history.
“He was one of the best in the business and knew how to lead with kindness, guidance, and the drive to get the job done,” the company said in a Facebook post.
