November 24, 2020 - The governor’s office said a coal miner died Monday in a workplace accident in southern West Virginia.

The Governor’s Office said in a statement, Taylor Meldin Halstead, 20, of Bob White, was killed in an accident at the American Eagle Mine of Panathar Mining LLC.

The statement did not provide details surrounding the death, which was the sixth coal mining fatal nationwide this year. There have been two deaths in West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

According to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, 2016 had the lowest coal mining fatalities in a year nationally.

Gov. Jim Justice said that he and his wife Kathy were deeply saddened to learn that we lost one of our incredible West Virginia coal miners today. This is particularly devastating news that is close to the Thanksgiving holiday. We cannot adequately commend our miners for the brave and important work they do every day for the power of their homes, state and nation. “

Both West Virginia senators – Democrat Joe Manchin and Republican Shelley Moore Capito – shared their condolences on Twitter.