The Preston County News and Journal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A miner was killed Friday while working at a Taylor County coal mine, according to a press release from Gov. Jim Justice.
Colton Walls, 34, of Bruceton Mills died Friday afternoon from injuries he sustained while working as a longwall electrician at Arch Coal’s Leer Mining Complex, according to the release.
Walls is survived by his wife, Jonda, and his three children.
The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration were at the mine and will be conducting an investigation, according to the release.
“Our miners are the backbone of West Virginia, and every loss we experience hits us to our deepest cores,” Justice said in the release. “The heart and soul of West Virginia are found in our coal miners, and today, we grieve the loss of one of our own. I’m told that Mr. Walls was truly dedicated, hardworking, and brave, and I know he’ll be dearly missed by many.