April 4, 2026 - Two coal miners have died in West Virginia coal mines in less than 24 hours.

The deaths came Friday morning in Marshall County and Thursday evening in Raleigh County.

The Marshall County fatality came on the day shift at the Ohio County Mine near Dallas.

According to Marshall County Emergency Services Director Tom Hart, Marshall County 911 was contacted and emergency services dispatched to the mine around 10:30 a.m. The caller said a worker had reportedly been crushed while working underground. Hart confirmed the miner died of his injuries.

“They believe he got caught between a couple of pieces of machinery,” Hart said Friday during an appearance on MetroNews Midday. “They had called for air medical, but they ended up cancelling that unfortunately.”

Governor Patrick Morrisey Friday released the name of the miner who died, Darin Reece.

He also released this statement.

“Denise and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Darin Reece, who passed away following an accident at the Ohio County mine. We extend our condolences to his family, his fellow miners, and all those who knew him. He served as a Continuous Miner Section Supervisor and was part of a workforce that takes on difficult and dangerous work every day.” Morrisey said.

“The impact of these events reaches far beyond the job site. It is felt by families, coworkers, and entire communities. That weight is even greater today, as this marks the second loss of life in West Virginia’s mining community in less than 24 hours. the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training is on site and conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. We ask West Virginians to keep Darin’s loved ones and the entire mining community in their thoughts during this difficult time,” he continued.

Hart said the man suffered injuries to the head and neck area. He said it took about 30 minutes to get the miner to the surface.

Hart said it’s believed the miner lived in nearby Washington County, Pennsylvania but that was unconfirmed.

The state office of Miner’s Health, Safety, and Training did not comment on the report.

The mine is operated by American Consolidated Natural Resources, ACNR.

The first mining death came Thursday evening near Pettus in Raleigh County.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources said shuttle car operator Aaron Warrix, 53, of Chapmanville, was struck by a piece of rock.

The accident occurred Thursday evening at Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine. Warrix died a short time later. He had worked for Alpha and its subsidiary, Marfork Coal, for four and a half years.

“We are heartbroken to learn of Aaron’s passing,” said Andy Eidson, Alpha’s chief executive officer. “Our hearts are with Aaron’s wife, family, and friends.”

Gov. Patrick Morrisey and first lady Denise Morrisey also released a statement.

“Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. Aaron worked as a shuttle car operator. Like so many of our miners, he represented the very best of West Virginia, demonstrating the strength, resilience, and work ethic that define our state. These men and women take on demanding and often dangerous work every day to help power our nation, and we owe them a lasting debt of gratitude.”

The federal Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) and the state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training are investigating.

“I ask all West Virginians to keep Aaron’s family, friends, and the entire community in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead,” Morrisey said.

The deaths are the first mining deaths recorded in West Virginia this year.