The search for missing miner Steve Lipscomb, 42, of Elkview, West Virginia, ended in heartbreak on Thursday morning. His body was discovered at 7:30 a.m. by a two-man search team, more than five days after an unexpected flood trapped him at the Rolling Thunder Mine.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when Lipscomb, the foreman of an 18-man crew, was overseeing operations at the mine. A sudden pocket of water was struck, flooding the underground site. While most miners were able to escape, Lipscomb remained unaccounted for, sparking an intense and urgent search operation.
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Governor Patrick Morrisey’s office confirmed that water levels in the mine receded to a safe level around 6 a.m. on Thursday, enabling crews to enter and recover Lipscomb’s body. According to Alpha Metallurgical Resources, the mine’s owner, Lipscomb had been last seen ensuring his crew’s safe exit.
Andy Eidson, CEO of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, expressed the company’s grief: “Steve joined our company in 2006 and was a dedicated employee, respected leader, and friend to many. His heroic actions to ensure the safety of his crew members will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children, and all who knew him.”
Lipscomb was an advanced EMT and had previously helped his fellow miners in emergency situations, including an incident in Raleigh County in February 2025, underscoring his commitment to their well-being.
Governor Morrisey also expressed his condolences, calling the loss “absolutely heartbreaking” and praising the tireless efforts of the rescue teams. “Their dedication and teamwork reflect the very best of West Virginia,” he said.
The search and rescue effort faced major obstacles, including low oxygen levels for dive teams and the removal of over three million gallons of water. Crews worked in 12-hour shifts, pumping out roughly 6,000 gallons of water per minute and drilling access points for the search.
Despite their determined efforts, this tragedy marks the loss of a devoted miner, hero, and leader whose courage in ensuring his crew’s safety will be remembered by the entire West Virginia mining community. The state mourns the loss of Steve Lipscomb, honoring his heroism and dedication.