David Brummitte, 34, was a certified workplace examiner, and preliminary information suggests that he was conducting a pre-shift exam when he was struck by rock sloughing off the mine wall.
Brummitte, of Pound, Virginia, was found around 5.10am Monday. He was treated at the scene and then transported to the Dickenson Community Hospital in Clintwood, Virginia. He was pronounced dead about 7.45 am.
Brumitte had worked for Alpha subsidiary Paramont Coal Company for two years at Deep Mine 41.
Alpha chairman and CEO Kevin Crutchfield said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family. Words cannot express how deeply saddened our company and community are by this tragic event.”
Paramont Coal Company president Mike Clark said: “Our hearts go out to Mr Brummitte's family and friends. There does not appear to have been any eyewitnesses at the scene. We are working diligently with state and federal agencies to confirm the circumstances of the accident.”
Paramont Coal Company representatives and state and federal investigators are currently securing the area to complete the accident investigation.
