WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOAY) – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released its preliminary report about a fatal accident that claimed the life of a miner earlier this month.
The accident occurred at the Wyco Surface Mine, operated by the Pocahontas Coal Company, part of Metinvest B V.
The victim’s name is Ashley Cogar, a 34-year-old mother and truck driver at the mine. She had been mining for nearly two years at the time of the accident and had spent 17 weeks working at Wyco.
The report says that Cogar was walking to her truck just after 11 p.m. on July 12.
She was struck by the bucket of a front-end loader and sustained serious injuries.
She passed away in the evening hours of July 23. According to Senator Joe Manchin, she left behind three children.
“West Virginians and Americans are beyond grateful for the brave miners, like Ashley, who put their lives at risk each day to power our nation. Ashley’s valor and sacrifices will never be forgotten. Gayle and I send our deepest condolences to Ashley’s mother, Patricia, her three children, and all of her loved ones as they mourn this incredible loss,” Manchin said in a statement.
The final report had not been released at the time this article was published.
