Body Of Missing Miner Located In Nicholas County Mine

A two-man rescue team found the body of mine foreman Steve Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, in the Rolling Thunder coal mine in Nicholas County Thursday morning. An around the clock search and rescue operation has been in motion since Saturday. 

Rescuers entered the mine at about 6 a.m. Thursday once the pumps lowered the water level inside the mine far enough that they could safely enter. At about 7:30 a.m., rescuers found Lipscomb’s body. He was trapped Saturday afternoon when a wall holding back water was accidentally breached. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced the discovery Thursday morning before making remarks at the governor’s energy summit. 

“I know that all West Virginians are praying for the family and for all the colleagues, people working tirelessly to try to find him,” he said. “Denise and my prayers go out to the family and to everyone who knows this man.”

When he visited the mine Tuesday, Morrisey indicated he could see the remnants of an older mine directly beside the current site. He said he thought the older site had last been open in the 1930s and 40s. 

In response to a question from a reporter, Morrisey said: 

“I don’t know if there’s a lake. There was a lot of water around and then there was another mine right next to it, but I can’t give you all the demographics and the geography of the area, but I can say, when I was down there [Monday], I saw the proximity of the current mine to the past mine and what had a mine that had been worked on in the 30s and the 40s.”

Seventeen other miners made it out of the mine. Lipscomb marks the fifth coal miner to die in West Virginia this year. 

Joey Michell Jr. died last week in the Mettiki mine in Grant County marking the second in November alone. 

The Rolling Thunder Mine is owned by Alpha Metallurgical Resources. This is the company’s third mine fatality this year. 

Other Statements

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, as well as West Virginia politicians, reacted to the news of Lipscomb’s death. 

“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 co-workers 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.” – U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

“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.” – U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va.

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… https://t.co/X6gtv8cNIK

— Senator Jim Justice (@JimJustice_WV) November 13, 2025

“A section foreman, Steven Lipscomb, 42, died after a sudden inflow of water while helping his crew evacuate; all other miners in the area escaped safely. The company expressed condolences to the family and said it is cooperating with federal and state authorities on a thorough investigation into the incident and its causes.” – Alpha Metallurgical Resources

“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. 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.” – Del. Dean Jeffries, R-Kanawha

“The Kanawha County Commission is saddened to learn about the death of Steve Lipscomb, a coal miner from Elkview who lost his life while working to save his fellow miners this week. The commissioners commend Gov. Patrick Morrisey and the rescue and search crews who worked tirelessly to locate Mr. Lipscomb’s body after a devastating incident at Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County earlier this week. Mr. Lipscomb worked for Alpha Metallurgical Resources since 2006, earning great respect from his colleagues and friends. He was a leader, and he showed exceptional leadership even in times of crisis.” – Kanawha County Commission

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…

— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) November 13, 2025

“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.” – Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va.

**Editor’s Note: This story was edited to include additional statements from state officials.