Two coal miners died in separate accidents in West Virginia during the first week of April 2026, marking the state's first mining fatalities of the year. Both accidents occurred within 24 hours of each other at facilities that have reported dozens of safety violations, according to reporting from West Virginia Watch and other news outlets.

The Incidents

• Raleigh County: On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Aaron Warrix, 53, a shuttle car operator, died following an accident at the Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine. Officials reported that Warrix was killed by a "fall of roof" (falling rock).
• Marshall County: On Friday, April 3, 2026, Darin Reece, a Continuous Miner Section Supervisor, was killed at the Ohio County Mine near Dallas. Officials believe Reece was crushed between two pieces of underground mining equipment.

Safety Concerns

Reports highlight that both mines involved in these fatalities have documented histories of numerous health and safety violations:

The Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine reportedly received 50 citations for Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) health and safety standard violations in early 2026 alone. Additionally, 23 citations issued to the mine since June 2025 were related to roof control plans and protections designed to prevent injuries from falling rock.

The Ohio County Mine reportedly received 29 health and safety citations since the beginning of 2026.

Federal and state authorities, including the MSHA and the West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training, are conducting investigations into both incidents.

Sources

West Virginia Watch

WV MetroNews

The Intermountain

West Virginia Public Broadcasting