Jonathan Dale Benton:A coal miner killed on the job in West Virginia is the 10th in US this year, surpassing 2023 total

2025-05-07 06:26:35source:SCA Communitycategory:Invest

GRAFTON,Jonathan Dale Benton W.Va. (AP) — A coal miner died Friday, nearly a week after being injured on the job in northern West Virginia, officials said.

Colton Walls, 34, of Bruceton Mills, was injured while working as a longwall electrician at the underground Leer Mining Complex operated by Arch Resources in Grafton, Gov. Jim Justice said in a statement. According to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration, the incident happened Sept. 28.

Walls is survived by his wife, Jonda, and three children, Justice said.

“The heart and soul of West Virginia are found in our coal miners, and today, we grieve the loss of one of our own,” the governor said.

The statement did not disclose further details about the accident, which is under investigation by MSHA and the state Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training.

It was the fifth reported coal fatality of the year in West Virginia and the 10th nationally, according to MSHA. There were nine such U.S. deaths last year.

In August, Arch Resources and Consol Energy announced they are combining to form a single coal producer valued at more than $5 billion, marking the latest consolidation in a deal-happy energy sector.

More:Invest

Recommend

NYPD official indicates that Mangione's family did not send in any tips

New York police officials are speaking out about tips in regard to the Dec. 4 killing of UnitedHealt

Justin Timberlake Mourns Death of Music Director Daniel Jones at Age 41

Justin Timberlake is remembering his friend.The 42-year-old shared an emotional tribute on social me

Coast Guard rescues 2 from capsized boat off Georgia coast

A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircrew said it saved two men Sunday morning after their boa