HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. — A 33-year-old coal miner has died after an accident at the D-29 Darby Fork mine in Holmes Mill around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.
James D. Brown, a roof bolter from Lynch with 13 years of experience, was 14,000 feet underground and an hour into his shift when a roof collapsed, according to the Kentucky Energy And Environment Cabinet.
Crews recovered Brown's body around 9:00 p.m. on Monday, the EEC said.
“We are heartbroken at the news,“ said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Please join me in expressing my deep condolences to his family, friends and community.”
All mine operations remain suspended while an investigation continues. The Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, Division of Mine Safety, sent investigators to the mine early Monday morning, the EEC said. Investigators are still looking into the cause of the collapse.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Brown’s family,” Kentucky Energy and Environment Secretary Rebecca Goodman said. “Our trained mine safety specialists are in the process of examining how this happened and how it could have been prevented.”
The mine is owned by Inmet Mining LLC of Knoxville, according to the EEC.