The miner trapped 14,000 feet underground after a roof collapsed at a Harlan County mine on Sunday has died.
Officials with INMET Mining, the owner of D-29 Darby Fork Mine in Holmes Mill, confirmed the death of 33-year-old James D. Brown, of Lynch, Monday night. Brown was working alone when the roof gave way.
“It is with our deepest sorrow that we must now confirm the passing of James Brown,” INMET CEO Hunter Hobson told WYMT. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with James’ family and also his coworkers at INMET. We were praying for a different outcome. At this time, we have no further comment as we transition from the recovery efforts and continue working with both state and federal agencies to determine what happened.”
Brown, a roof bolter with 13 years of experience, was an hour into his shift when the roof collapsed at approximately 11:00 Sunday night, according to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Mining operations were immediately shut down and a search and rescue effort began soon after the collapse.
INMET Mining is based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
(Photo courtesy of WASZ.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
