The Rolling Thunder coal mine near Swiss, in Nicholas County, West Virginia, is seen in this aerial photo on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (Sean McCallister/Charleston Gazette-Mail via AP)

CHARLESTON – Rescue crews located the body of a missing miner in Nicholas County this morning.

A two-man team found the body of foreman Steve Lipscomb at 7:37 a.m., according to a statement from Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

Lipscomb was believed to be trapped at the Rolling Thunder Mine – owned by Alpha Metallurgical Resources – after a section of the mine wall collapsed and caused flooding Saturday. Efforts to find the man had been ongoing since, utilizing specialized dive teams and a de-watering effort to remove water from the mine.

Each shift included roughly eight workers on the surface coordinating and loading supplies and another eight staging and fusing a new waterline, according to the governor’s statement.

At approximately 6 a.m. today, water levels receded sufficiently for rescue crews to enter, the statement said.

“Crews had worked tirelessly around the clock in 12-hour shifts in a search for their colleague,” the statement said. “Their commitment and professionalism have been unwavering throughout the operation.”

The statement said the governor and first lady Denise Morrisey “were heartbroken to learn of this tragic loss and are keeping Mr. Lipscomb’s family, friends, and fellow workers in their prayers.

“Today, we grieve for this terrible tragedy and honor the life of one of our own,” it said.