RALEIGH COUNTY W.Va. – UPDATE: In a Facebook post, Wright Concrete & Construction Inc. has identified the victim as Billy Stalker, a longtime employee. The company’s full post can be found below:
Friday, February 28th was a tragic day for the Wright Family of Companies. One of the worst in our 30 year history of business. We lost not only an incredible employee and leader for our company, but most of all, an incredible man, father, husband, and friend.
Billy Stalker has been an employee in our underground division for over 10 years and a coal miner for nearly 30. He took pride in his work every single day, leading crews of men all over the east coast of the United States, installing underground mine seals that keep miners safe every single day. He was one of the best in the business and knew how to lead with the kindness, guidance, and drive to get the job done and always retain the respect of his men.
[Saturday,] Billy was killed in a tragic and unexpected accident underground at a mine in WV where he and his crew were working.
We pray for comfort in this time of incredible grief for his wife Bridget, his children, and everyone who was ever lucky enough to get to know the true joy of a person that Billy Stalker was.
Rest easy Friend/Coal Miner.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration reports that a person died at Black Eagle Mine in Raleigh County on Friday, Feb. 28 at around 2:50pm.
The administration says the accident occurred due to a “fall of face, rib, side or highwall”. The identity of the miner who lost their life has not been released at this time.
The mine controller for Black Eagle is Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc.
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