Miner killed in Marshall County accident

Charleston, WV – A second West Virginia coal miner has died in less than 24 hours, as state officials confirm that 55‑year‑old Darin Reece was killed Friday morning in an accident at the Ohio County Mine’s Golden Ridge Portal in Marshall County.
Miner killed in Marshall County accident
State and local officials say the incident occurred around 10:31 a.m. Friday, when emergency crews were called to the mine after reports that a worker had been crushed and suffered severe head and neck injuries. Multiple EMS units, volunteer fire departments, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded, and air medical transport was requested.
The miner was later identified as Darin Reece, a Continuous Miner Section Supervisor. Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed his death Friday afternoon and issued a statement expressing condolences to Reece’s family, coworkers, and the broader mining community.
Second mining death in West Virginia this week
Reece’s death marks the second fatal mining incident in West Virginia within 24 hours. On Thursday, 53‑year‑old Aaron Warrix, a shuttle car operator at the Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine in Raleigh County, died from injuries sustained in a separate accident.
Governor Morrisey noted the compounded grief felt across the state’s mining communities, saying the loss “is felt by families, coworkers, and entire communities,” and emphasizing the dangerous nature of the work miners perform daily.
Investigation underway
The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Reece’s death. The mine involved is operated by American Consolidated Natural Resources, though the company had not yet provided comment as of Friday evening.
Community impact
Local emergency officials described a large multi‑agency response, reflecting the seriousness of the incident and the tight‑knit nature of the region’s mining workforce. As investigations continue, state leaders are urging West Virginians to keep both miners’ families and the broader mining community in their thoughts.