Published: November 17, 2025 |

[Click image to enlarge]

After days of search and rescue efforts, a mining foreman trapped in a flooded Nicholas County mine has been found dead.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the death of Steve Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview. He said that at 7:37 a.m. Thursday, a two-man team located Lipscomb’s body in the mine.

Lipscomb became trapped Saturday, Nov. 8 after a crew encountered an unknown water pocket, sending a “sudden and substantial” inflow of water into the Rolling Thunder Mine. According to the mining company, Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Lipscomb was last seen attempting to ensure his crew made it out safely. All other miners in the area were able to safely evacuate the mine.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources’ CEO Andy Eidson said Lipscomb had joined the organization in 2006 and called his actions during the accident “heroic.”

“Our hearts are broken. Steve joined our company in 2006 and was a dedicated employee, respected leader and friend to many. His actions to ensure the safety of his crew members were heroic. 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,” said Eidson.

According to West Virginia Delegate Dean Jeffries (R-Kanawha), Lipscomb was also a hero outside the mines; he also served in the United States Marine Corps.

“My heart is broken today as we mourn the passing of a truly great man — West Virginia coal miner and Elk River native Steve Lipscomb. We lost a husband, a father, a Marine and a dear friend to so many. Steve lived a life defined by service: service to his country as a proud Marine, to his state as a dedicated coal miner, and most importantly, to his Savior as a faithful Christian. His strength, humility and kindness touched countless lives,” said Jeffries.

“Please keep his wife, his children, his family and all who loved him in your prayers during this difficult time. I am forever grateful for the time we were blessed to share with him, and I hold firmly to the hope and promise that we will see him again,” added Jeffries.

With the news of Lipscomb’s death, condolences have been pouring in from across the state.

Morrisey attended an energy summit in Charleston Thursday morning, where he began with a moment of silence for Lipscomb. He also offered prayers for Lipscomb’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“This morning’s news is absolutely heartbreaking. 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,” said Governor Morrisey.

“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. Their commitment and teamwork reflect the very best of West Virginia. Our state knows this kind of pain all too well. Mining is more than an industry here — it’s a brotherhood, a way of life, and a source of pride. When tragedy strikes, we grieve together, we stand together, and we support one another as one West Virginia family,” added Morrisey.

Members of West Virginia’s Congressional Delegation have also released statements on the mining tragedy.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) shared her condolences, saying that miners “represent the very best” of the Mountain State.

“Tragic news out of our state this morning with the loss of Steve Lipscomb. Charlie and I offer our most sincere condolences to his friends, family, and coworkers during this difficult time. Miners represent the very best of West Virginia and this community is deeply ingrained in our state’s history. I’ve been deeply inspired by our heroic first responders and divers doing everything possible to bring their colleague home to his loved ones. They demonstrated immense courage and resilience in the face of treacherous circumstances, and I thank them for their efforts,” said Senator Capito.

Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), in his statement, thanked the crews who worked to reach Lipscomb in the mine.

“Cathy and I are heartbroken over the passing of foreman Steve Lipscomb. We will continue to pray for his loved ones and the entire mining family. Thank you to the teams on the ground who worked nonstop to bring Steve home and to the communities around West Virginia for pulling together during this tough time,” said Senator Justice.

Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) said she was heartbroken to learn the news of Lipscomb’s death.

“I was heartbroken to hear the confirmation of Steve Lipscomb’s passing following a mining accident in Nicholas County. Thank you to Steve’s fellow miners and the rescue crews that have worked tirelessly these past few days responding to this tragedy. I am praying for his family, friends, and all of those affected by his passing,” said Congresswoman Miller.

Congressman Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) also asked for prayers for the Lipscomb family and the community.

“Please join Mina and me in praying for the repose of Steve Lipscomb’s soul, for his family, and for the whole community at Rolling Thunder Mine. This is a horrible tragedy. Our brave coal miners make an extraordinary sacrifice to power our communities. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him,” said Congressman Moore.

Former Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) also shared condolences, speaking of the bravery of coal miners across West Virginia and the nation.

“Gayle and I are heartbroken to hear that coal miner Steve Lipscomb, a foreman at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County, was found dead this morning following the flooding of the mine on Saturday. We’re thankful for the heroic efforts of mine rescue workers and volunteers who have been working around the clock on the search and rescue efforts,” said Manchin.

“Our brave coal miners go into the mines each and every day to help power our nation and to provide for their families. Miners like Steve are the backbone of our state, and a tragedy like this deeply impacts all of us. Please join us in praying for Steve’s family, friends, and loved ones as they grieve this unconscionable loss,” added Manchin.

West Virginia State Auditor Mark Hunt and his office staff also shared their sympathy and prayers.

“The West Virginia State Auditor’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Steve Lipscomb, the foreman who tragically lost his life at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County. Steve was found following an exhaustive rescue effort after a sudden mine flooding incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are mourning this profound loss and with everyone who works tirelessly in our state’s mining industry,” said Hunt.

May those who knew Steve find comfort and strength in their memories of him, and may our mining communities feel the support, sympathy, and prayers of all West Virginians during this incredibly difficult time,” added Hunt.

Source: WOWK TV

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!