January 15, 2022 - United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“The hearts and prayers of every UMWA member are with the family of Jeffrey Phillips, who was killed in an accident today at the Ohio County Prep Plant in Benwood, W. Va.

“Brother Phillips was a member of UMWA Construction Local Union 1998. He was 44 years old.

“Our safety experts are on the scene and are working with the UMWA Local Union 1473 Safety Committee, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, the West Virginia Office of Miners Health, Safety and Training, and the company to find out what caused this tragedy.

“We are truly saddened by the death of Brother Phillips and we will not rest until we know the circumstances of his death so that we can prevent something like this from ever happening again.

“I ask that we all lift up the Phillips' family in our prayers.”