Longtime WV investigative journalist Paul Nyden has died

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Paul Nyden, a veteran investigative reporter with The Charleston Gazette, has died.

Paul Nyden

Tributes to Nyden’s years of work focusing on West Virginia’s coal industry came flowing in through social media on Saturday. Others remembered personal touches about Nyden, such as his hosting of weekly Sunday dinners with young journalists.

Nyden retired from the Gazette in 2015 when it combined with the Charleston Daily Mail. Staffers at the newspaper said Nyden had a heart attack and died overnight Saturday.

Senator Joe Manchin was among those who offered public praise for Nyden’s work in West Virginia journalism.

“Paul was a giant at the Charleston Gazette and the impact of his work was felt across West Virginia and Appalachia,” Manchin, D-W.Va., stated in a release distributed by his office.

“His relentless search for the truth and commitment to his craft set the bar for what responsible investigative journalism looks like. West Virginia is safer for our coal miners and healthier for our communities because of Paul’s work.”

The West Virginia AFL-CIO also released a statement praising the focus of Nyden’s work.

“Paul was a real hero to the organized labor community, in large part because of his focus in reporting on issues that matter to West Virginia’s working families,” stated AFL-CIO President Josh Sword.

“Because of Paul, issues like retirement security, workplace safety and workers’ right to organize were front and center during his tenure as a reporter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul’s family during this difficult time.”

Gazette-Mail reporter Eric Eyre, who won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism in 2017 for his coverage of the effects of opioids on West Virginia communities, described his appreciation of Nyden on Twitter.





More News

News
Power restoration efforts slowed by wind gusts topping 30 mph
Still 19,000 without service.
May 17, 2025 - 10:16 pm
News
WVU celebrates Class of 2025
Soon-to-be retired WVU President Gordon Gee expected to deliver remarks Sunday.
May 17, 2025 - 4:13 pm
News
Project to rebuild section of I-79 up for bid
Bid letting will be Tuesday.
May 17, 2025 - 2:00 pm
News
Workforce grant on its way help mid-February flood victims
May 17, 2025 - 1:50 pm