NICHOLAS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey issued a statement Thursday morning confirming that the body of the missing miner at the Rolling Thunder Mine has been found.
“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,” Morrisey said.
“At 7:37 a.m., one two-man team located the body of the missing miner, foreman Steve Lipscomb.”
Rescue crews had worked around the clock for days, rotating in 12-hour shifts in an effort to find Lipscomb.
According to Morrisey, each shift involved about 15 workers underground, eight on the surface coordinating and loading supplies, and another eight staging and fusing a new waterline.
“Their commitment and professionalism have been unwavering throughout the operation,” Morrisey said.
Governor Morrisey and First Lady Denise Morrisey expressed their condolences to Lipscomb’s loved ones.
“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.”
