BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginia paused Monday to remember one of the most tragic days in its history.
The death of 29 coal miners who worked at the Upper Big Branch mine in Raleigh County was noted in a brief ceremony in Beckley and on the floor of the House of Delegates.
It was Monday afternoon, April 5, 2010, when an coal dust aided underground explosion rocked the large mine owned by Massey Energy. The explosion, which occurred near shift change, left no survivors.
“We stand to remember how 11 years ago we came together at a time of great sadness to lean on each other in the unique and caring way that is West Virginia in support of family, friends and neighbors,” Delegate Mick Bates, D-Raleigh, said on the floor of the House of Delegates.
Beckley Councilman Kevin Price hosted Monday’s ceremony outside the Raleigh County Courthouse. He said the memorial service doesn’t represent how much the victims are remembered each day.
“For while we do take a moment just to remember–let be assure you that the other 364 days of the year we don’t forget those who were lost that day or the loved ones who were left behind to cherish their memory,” Price said.
Price read the names of all 29 miners and a bell was rung after each in their honor as some family members of the victims looked on.
Beckley Mayor Ron Rappold said West Virginians don’t forget tragedies.
“It’s an emotional dedication and the UBB disaster is a great example of that,” Rappold said.
The House observed a 29-second moment of silence during Monday’s floor session followed by a prayer from Delegate Christopher Toney, R-Raleigh.
“Lord, we would continue to pray for the comfort of the family, friends and co-workers of our 29 miners,” Toney said.
The UBB victims:
– Carl Acord, 52.
– Jason Atkins, 25.
– Christopher Bell, 33.
– Gregory Steven Brock, 47.
– Kenneth Allan Chapman, 53.
– Robert Clark, 41.
– Charles Timothy Davis, 51.
– Cory Davis, 20.
– Michael Lee Elswick, 56.
– William I. Griffith, 54.
– Steven Harrah, 40.
– Edward Dean Jones, 50.
– Richard K. Lane, 45.
– William Lynch, 59.
-Nicholas Darrell McCroskey, 26.
– Joe Marcum, 57.
– Ronald Lee Maynor, 31.
– James E. Mooney, 50.
– Adam Keith Morgan, 21.
– Rex L. Mullins, 50.
– Joshua S. Napper, 25.
– Howard D. Payne, 53.
– Dillard Earl Persinger, 32.
– Joel R. Price, 55.
– Deward Scott, 58.
– Gary Quarles, 33.
– Grover Dale Skeens, 57.
– Benny Willingham, 61.
– Ricky Workman, 50.