CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An electrical shock was being blamed early on in the investigation into the death of a coal miner in Kanawha County.
Steven Vernon Keeney, 40, of Sylvester in Boone County, died early Tuesday morning, according the state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training.
At the time, he was working at Panther Creek Mining’s American Eagle Mine located in Cabin Creek.
Investigators said Keeney was a certified electrician.
The accident was reported before 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.
“Our brave mine electricians are right there underground with our coal miners every day, doing courageous and important work that allows us to keep the lights on across the entire country,” Governor Jim Justice said in a statement.
“Today, we are heartbroken for the loss of one of these heroes: Steven Keeney. Cathy and I ask everyone to join us in praying for his family, friends, and the entire West Virginia mining community.”