FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Governor Patrick Morrisey has ordered state flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Steve Lipscomb, the Rolling Thunder foreman who lost his life in the Nicholas County mine.
On Saturday, November 8, Lipscomb was trapped when a section of the mine flooded. He stood his ground until every member of his crew was evacuated.
His body was recovered after a lengthy search and rescue operation.
According to Morrisey, all of West Virginia mourns the loss of this courageous man.
“We had a moment of silence (at the Montgomery Bridge dedication) for the coal miner because what happened was a tragedy. But Steven was a quintessential West Virginian. He was dedicated to service — for our nation and the United States Marine Corps (Purple Heart recipient),” the governor said, citing Lipscomb’s heroic mine actions.
“We have to celebrate his life and honor him. We’re going to honor all the miners who came before him,” added Morrisey. “We really had a gem in the community. We are very thankful for him and want to let his spirit pervade. That’s what matters.”
