GRAFTON, W.Va. — A coal miner is dead after an accident at a mine in Taylor County.
State authorities said Joe Crandall, 57, of Fairmont, was killed underground at the Arch Coal Leer Mining Complex near Grafton Thursday.
Gov. Jim Justice talked about the death at his media briefing held Friday afternoon.
“We’ve lost another coal miner. We lost a coal miner at the Leer Mining Complex,” Justice said. “They had a safety record that was unbelievable and they’ve done a lot of good work. Joe Crandall, we’ve lost him, and it’s just terrible.”
Crandall is survived by his wife Davina.
The death marks the third coal mining death this year in West Virginia. Justice said miners are underappreciated.
“Joe Crandall died trying to make your life and my life better, we should always reminder that,” he said.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin commented on the death in a prepared statement.
“Gayle and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Crandall. West Virginians and all Americans are forever grateful for courageous miners like Joe, who put their lives on the line each day to power our nation. We ask that all West Virginians join us in keeping his family, friends and loved ones in our prayers during this devastating time. His bravery will never be forgotten. Gayle and I send our deepest condolences to Joe’s wife, Davina, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this incredible loss.”
Justice said Crandall and other coal miners are heroes.
“it’s surely an honorable but it’s a tough business but we should so respectful and thankful for our miners each and every day,” Justice said.
Investigators with the state Office of Miner’s Health, Safety, and Training and the U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration are investigating the cause of the accident which was related to haulage.
Crandall’s death is the second mining death in recent week. Ashley Cogar, 33, of Erbacon, died in late July after injuries suffered earlier in the month at the Wyco Surface Mine in Raleigh County near the Wyoming County line.