Miner Killed In Nicholas County To Be Laid To Rest

Steve Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, West Virginia, died in a mine accident in Nicholas County. He was trapped helping the men on his crew escape after a wall in the Rolling Thunder mine was compromised, causing the mine to flood. His body was recovered last Thursday. 

A preliminary accident report from the Mining Safety and Health Administration lists the accident as an inundation.

A memorial service to honor Lipscomb’s life will be held on Nov. 22, 2025, at Herbert Hoover High School. 

Lipscomb graduated from Hoover in 2001, where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams.

Just after 9/11, Lipscomb enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was among the first wave of Marines to enter Fallujah, Iraq, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was awarded a Purple Heart for his actions after being severely injured by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. 

He began his underground mining career in 2006 with Massey Energy (Alpha Natural Resources) working his way up to become a foreman in 2015.

Hafer Funeral Home is handling all arrangements. 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey has called for flags at state facilities to be flown at half staff until Lipscomb’s funeral.