MOUNT STORM, W.Va. –– Investigators from the state office of Miner’s Health, Safety, and Training along with federal investigators from MSHA are probing the Thursday death of a coal miner in Tucker County.
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the death in a social media post on Thursday evening. Friday, the state released more information.
I’m deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our brave coal miners, Joey Mitchell Jr. Joey tragically passed away following an accident at the Mettiki Mine in Mount Storm. All West Virginians should keep Joey’s family, friends, and fellow miners in our thoughts and…
— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) November 7, 2025
The victim was Joey Mitchell Jr. , 25, of Kingwood, W.Va. He was a scoop operator at the Mettiki Mine located between Davis and Mount Storm, W.Va. State officials have not revealed any further information into the nature of the accident.
A second miner was injured in the accident and flown by HealthNet to the hospital. His name was not released and his condition is unknown.
The mine is owned by Mettiki Coal Company. Around 223 work at the mine.