West Virginia coal miner dies in Raleigh County accident

RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. (WOWK) - A coal miner has died after an accident in Raleigh County. According to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, the incident happened at Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine in Raleigh County. The governor identified the coal miner as Aaron Warrix. The mine is in the area of Eskdale, along the border of Kanawha, Raleigh and Boone counties, and owned by Marfork Coal Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Alpha Metallurgical Resources. Latest News: Kanawha County Metro 911 dispatchers put out an alert for the accident on Thursday night, and said early Friday morning the miner had been taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. The governor announced his passing later Friday morning. Alpha Metallurgical Resources officials say Warrix, 53, of Chapmanville, was injured when he was struck by a piece of rock, and later died of his injuries. They say he was a shuttle car operator and had 4.5 years of experience with the company. “We are heartbroken to learn of Aaron’s passing,” said Andy Eidson, Alpha’s chief executive officer. “Our hearts are with Aaron’s wife, family, and friends.” Aaron's family says he was dedicated to his loved ones and his career. They say they are grateful for the prayers and support already pouring out during this tragic time. "Aaron was a dedicated husband, friend, and coal miner. He enjoyed his time at Cherokee Lake with his family. We would like to thank everyone for the continued thoughts and prayers. He will be deeply missed by so many."-Family of Aaron Warrix. Morrisey said Warrix represented the best of the Mountain State. “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.“I ask all West Virginians to keep Aaron’s family, friends, and the entire community in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.”W.Va. Gov. Patrick Morrisey The investigation into the accident is underway. Chayden Stacy, a man who previously worked in coal mines said miners place their focus on their work and not on what could happen to them. "When you're there you don't really think about what bad can happen," said Stacy. "It's just like, 'let's get in there, let's get it done let's get home.' Of course, yeah, let's be safe about it, but you never know." This is a developing story, and WOWK 13 News will update you on air and online as we learn more details. Chayden Stacey previously worked in coal mines but was not a co-worker of Warrix.