Coal miner killed on the job in West Virginia. The death marks fourth in the state this year

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A miner died on the job Friday night in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice said.

The Republican governor said Gary Chapman, 33, of South Williamson, Kentucky, died after being injured at the Mountaineer II mine near Sharples, West Virginia.

Justice offered his condolences in a statement and said Chapman and his family were in his prayers.

“When we lose a coal miner, it’s not just a loss for the community, it’s a loss for the entire state of West Virginia,” Justice said in a statement. “The loss of Mr. Chapman is a powerful reminder that we must always have a deep gratitude for all of our coal miners. They are the ones who keep our nation running.”

At least eight U.S. coal miners died on the job in 2024, according to the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. Four of them died in West Virginia.

The incident is being investigated by the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.