West Virginia Coal Miner Dies in Raleigh County Accident

Governor mourns loss of shuttle car operator Aaron Warrix in mining incident.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a coal miner's helmet and headlamp against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct flash lighting.A somber reminder of the risks coal miners face daily to power the nation.Raleigh Today

A coal miner has died following an accident at the Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia. The victim was identified as Aaron Warrix, a shuttle car operator who West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said represented 'the very best of West Virginia' with his strength, resilience, and strong work ethic.

Why it matters

Mining accidents in West Virginia are tragically common, with the state having one of the highest rates of coal mining fatalities in the country. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by miners and the need for continued safety improvements in the industry.

The details

According to Governor Morrisey, the accident occurred at the Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine in Raleigh County. Warrix was working as a shuttle car operator when the incident took place. The West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training has responded to the scene and is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

  • The incident happened on April 3, 2026.

The players

Aaron Warrix

A coal miner who worked as a shuttle car operator and was killed in the accident at the Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine.

Patrick Morrisey

The Governor of West Virginia who mourned the loss of Warrix and praised him as representing 'the very best of West Virginia'.

West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training

The state agency that responded to the scene and is conducting an investigation into the accident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Denise and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Aaron Warrix, a coal miner who passed away following an accident at the Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine in Raleigh County. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.”

— Patrick Morrisey, Governor of West Virginia

“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.”

— Patrick Morrisey, Governor of West Virginia

What’s next

The West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety, and Training is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this accident.

The takeaway

This tragic mining accident in Raleigh County highlights the ongoing dangers faced by West Virginia's coal miners and the need for continued improvements in mine safety to protect these critical workers who power the state's economy.