June 2, 2021 - A Wetzel County man died overnight Wednesday in a coal mining accident in Marion County.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday expressed his condolences to the family of Trenten Dille, 26, of Littleton in Wetzel County who died while working in the underground section of the Marion County Coal Resources mine in Fairview, W.Va.

The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training continues to investigate the accident. Initial information indicates the edge or rib of a coal support pillar fell and struck Dille, a section foreman.

“It is an absolute tragedy to lose this hard-working, dedicated young man. Cathy and I are heartbroken for his loved ones and fellow miners. We ask that you please keep this man in your prayers during this difficult time,” Justice said.

Marion County Coal Resources is now owned by American Consolidated Natural Resources. ACNR is the company that emerged from the Murray Energy Corp. bankruptcy case.

Sen. Joe Manchin said he and his wife, Gayle, also expressed their condolences. “Along with every West Virginian, we are keeping his family, friends and loved ones in our prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Manchin said in a statement. “This loss is yet another reminder that our brave coal miners risk their lives every single day to power our country. While we can never repay them, we are deeply grateful for their sacrifices and contributions to our great nation. Gayle, myself and our entire Manchin staff join our entire state in offering any assistance we can provide to Hayley and her children as they move forward after this horrible tragedy.”

This is the third coal mine death recorded in the U.S. this year, according to the Associated Press.