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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A coal miner was killed on the job in West Virginia on Friday night, 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 expressed his condolences in a statement, saying Chapman and his family were in his prayers.

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

At least eight U.S. coal miners have 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 under investigation by the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.