BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. — A Boone County coal mine remained idled Wednesday morning following the Tuesday death of miner in a deadly accident.
Officials with the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training identified the victim as Rodney S. Osborne, 32, of Artie, W.Va.
He was killed while operating a continuous miner, according to investigators.
That accident was reported before 9 p.m. Tuesday at Rockwell Mining LLC’s Gateway Eagle Mine near Wharton.
Governor Jim Justice issued the following statement Wednesday:
“Cathy and I are heartbroken with the sad news out of Wharton that we have lost another member of our West Virginia coal mining community,” Justice said.
“We ask all West Virginians to join us in praying for the family and friends of this young man. Our state is so grateful for our miners and their families and we know they are coming together in support during this difficult time.”
Osborne’s death was the 8th mine fatality in the U.S. thus far in 2017, federal records indicated.