Associated Press Published

Coal Miner Killed in Southern West Virginia

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State officials are investigating a coal mine accident that killed a worker in southern West Virginia.

West Virginia Department of Commerce spokeswoman Leslie Smithson says the fatality involving a belt roller occurred early Monday at Greenbrier Minerals LLC’s Lower War Eagle Mine near Cyclone in Wyoming County.

Greenbrier Minerals vice president of human resources Gary Groves says the victim was a 53-year-old foreman who was working on a mine belt when the accident occurred. Groves says the victim was found about 1 a.m. Monday.

Smithson identified the miner as Peter Dale Sprouse of Clear Fork.

The mine’s owner is Wilton, Connecticut-based Coronado Coal LLC. The company’s website says it was formed in August 2011 and it acquired Greenbrier Minerals a year ago from Cliffs Natural Resources.