Published: January 6, 2020 |

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Raymond Leonard Starkey, 21, was assisting with repairs to a beltline at Murray Energy’s Marshall County Coal Company Mine near Cameron when he was fatally injured Monday afternoon, according to a press release from West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice.

West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training Director Eugene White was at the scene Tuesday, the release from the governor said.

A statement issued by United Mine Workers of America International President Cecil Roberts said the union had safety experts there as well, working with the local union safety committee, the state office and the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration to determine what happened.

“We will not rest until we know the circumstances of Brother Starkey’s death, so that we can prevent something like this from ever happening again,” Roberts said. “I ask every mining family, indeed every American family, to lift up the Starkey family in your prayers this holiday season.”

Justice’s release included condolences from himself and first lady Cathy Justice.

“Cathy and I are deeply saddened to learn that we lost a dedicated, hard-working West Virginia coal miner yesterday evening,” it says. “We ask all West Virginians to join us in praying for Raymond’s family, his friends, and the entire coal-mining community. This is especially devastating news to learn on Christmas Eve, but we know that West Virginians will come together during this tragedy and surround his family with love and support.”

Additional information about the incident was not immediately available from state or Marshall County authorities Tuesday.

Source: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel

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