2 Miners Die In Separate Accidents In 24 Hours In W.Va.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Fatal mine accidents occurred in Marshall and Raleigh counties in the last 24 hours in West Virginia. 

Friday morning Gov. Patrick Morrisey released a statement about the Raleigh County accident at Alpha Metallurgical Resources’ Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine Thursday evening:

“Denise and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Aaron Warrix, a coal miner who passed away following an accident at the Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine in Raleigh County. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.

“Aaron worked as a shuttle car operator. Like so many of our miners, he represented the very best of West Virginia, demonstrating the strength, resilience, and work ethic that define our state. These men and women take on demanding and often dangerous work every day to help power our nation, and we owe them a lasting debt of gratitude.

“The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training responded immediately, remains on site, and is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this accident.”

In the second incident, first reported by MetroNews, a miner at the American Consolidated Natural Resources mine in Marshall County, was crushed Friday morning between two pieces of mining equipment.

Friday at 5 p.m. Morrisey issued the following statement on that accident.

“Denise and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Darin Reece, who passed away following an accident at the Ohio County Mine. We extend our condolences to his family, his fellow miners, and all those who knew him. He served as a Continuous Miner Section Supervisor and was part of a workforce that takes on difficult and dangerous work every day.

“The impact of these events reaches far beyond the job site. It is felt by families, coworkers, and entire communities. That weight is even greater today, as this marks the second loss of life in West Virginia’s mining community in less than 24 hours.

“The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training is on site and conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

These are the first miner deaths in West Virginia this year. Six miners died on the job in 2025 with the last one being 63-year-old Robert White, a foreman with 41 years of mining experience.