Miner caught in flooding found dead in West Virginia after dayslong search, governor says

Source: CBS News

Miner caught in flooding found dead in West Virginia after dayslong search, governor says

By Emily Mae Czachor
Updated on: November 13, 2025 / 11:16 AM EST / CBS News

The body of a miner missing since Saturday in a flooded West Virginia coal mine 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."

Mining company Alpha Metallurgical Resources said Lipscomb, 42, was from Elkview, West Virginia. The foreman was working alongside a 17-person crew when he became trapped Saturday afternoon inside the mine. … "During routine operations, a crew in the underground mine encountered a sudden and substantial inflow of water," Alpha, the mining company, said in a statement Thursday.

The crew struck a pocket of water, causing water to rush in, Nicholas County Commissioner Garret Cole previously said. Officials said they believe Lipscomb prioritized helping his fellow miners escape the flooding when it started, and eventually became trapped himself. … "He was last seen attempting to ensure his crew made it out safely," Alpha said.

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Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/missing-west-virginia-miner-body-found/