UPDATE: Fatal Mine Accident, Name Released
UPDATE: Fatal Mine Accident, Name Released Save Email Print
Posted: 7:34 AM Oct 9, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:52 PM Oct 9, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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From The Associated Press
PRENTER, W.Va. (AP) - The state has identified a contract worker killed at a Massey Energy mine in West Virginia.

Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training spokeswoman Jama Jarrett says the victim was 32-year-old Steven Cain of Comfort.

Jarrett says Cain died after being pinned between the wall and a supply car at Richmond, Virginia-based Massey's Justice Number One mine in Boone County late Wednesday. Cain worked for contractor Mountaineer Labor Solutions.

Massey spokesman Jeff Gillenwater calls the accident a "terrible, terrible situation." He says the company's thoughts and prayers are with Cain's family.

A telephone message left with Mountaineer today wasn't immediately returned.

Jarrett says state mine inspectors and investigators with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration plan to recreate the accident this afternoon.

Government records show seven West Virginia coal miners and 21 nationally have been killed on the job this year.


UPDATE @ 9:17am
PRENTER, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A mine safety spokesperson says Steven Cain was killed in a mining accident at the Justice #1 Mine in Boone County Wednesday night. Independence Coal Company owns the mine.

Investigators say Cain was a red hat trainee. He was a contract employee for Mountaineer Labor Solutions. Cain has been on the job for 4 months.

Early reports indicate Steven was moving some supply cars when he was pinned between a mine wall and a supply car.

Steven was 32 years old and from Comfort.


ORIGINAL STORY
BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Dispatchers say one person has died in an accident at a Boone County mine.

We’re told it happened at a mine in Prenter late Wednesday night.

No other details are being released at this time, including the name of victim.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for updated information.
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Posted by: Amy on Dec 28, 2008 at 06:55 PM
STEVEN CAIN WAS A GREAT MAN. HE LOVED HIS KIDS AND HIS FAMILY.THIS IS A VERY SAD SITUATION FOR HIS WIFE AND HIS SON AND DAUGHTER WHO IS 6 AND 3.ALL I CAN SAY IS I LOVE U CAIN FAMILY
Posted by: Deborah A Williams on Oct 18, 2008 at 03:28 AM
To My Uncle Stevie, Aunt Carolyn, Amy, Jenn and Becky..... When I first heard of the news, I was confused and in disbelieve. But to realize that it was true...I sat for days and then it turned in to a week trying to figure out what to say to, my Uncle my Aunt my cousins Amy and Jenn and his wife Becky. Steven was a son a brother a husband and a father and so much more to all that was closest to him. And yet the words still are at a lost...I wish I had some words of wisdom to ease your pain....but all that I can say is that my arms are wrapped around all of you and giving you a hug and to tell you all that I love you very much and can't wait to give you a hug in person..Until then my heart goes out to my family.... Love You All Very Much.. Debbie
Posted by: BooBoo on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:43 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you Becky. I know that there are many hard days ahead but always remember I am here for you. May God give you peace and understanding. Steven is now an ANGEL watching over us. He may not be here physical, but he will always be in our hearts. I love you.
Posted by: Mary on Oct 11, 2008 at 02:48 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have a husband that works in the mines. I worry about him every night and I pray that he will be safe. So sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Kristy on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Jenn, I am sooo sorry. I didn't put two and two together until just a few minutes ago. I hope you can find comfort in God. Please let me know if I can help you.
Posted by: Glen on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:13 PM
I myself worked at revolution as of today that is. I left today with my morals intact. I feel so sorry for Stephens entire family. My thoughts and prayers will forever be with you. His family is my upmost concern. However i would like to add that after the five minute safety meeting we had of this terrible accident, the only thing they could say other than go to work was "don't run to hard tonight, we don't want them to think we don't care". And as for the prayer and moment of silence, they probably would not have been one, unless the men themselves had asked one of our co-workers to lead us in a prayer for the family. Every one at Revolution coal mine please be safe.
Posted by: Rose Beckett on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:02 PM
The massey corp. is a disgrace to all coalminers. My husband quit his job w/them to day b/c of the lack of respect givin to the Cain family. Blankenship and cronies have smiled thru it all I hope that time does lessen the pain for it is unforgivable that this happened to such a great man, and even worse that the life he gave was givin no respect. I hope massey gets what they deserve. My familys respect to the whole Cain family.
Posted by: Misty on Oct 10, 2008 at 02:32 PM
This is such a sad sad story. Only 4 months in the job and something like this happens. God bless his wife and kids.
Posted by: cindy on Oct 10, 2008 at 01:35 PM
God bless this family... mu thoughts and prayers are with you...
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:56 PM
our love and prayers go out to the family of this young man. my husband is a coal miner in a union mines and i worry about his safe return every day and union or not coal miner are all brothers we are praying for the family
Posted by: shaggy on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:15 PM
my god help mr.cains family.. it is a dangerious occupation. i work at this mine when im not attending college dont think i knew mr cain may god be with his family
Posted by: Ashley on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:43 AM
wow very sad. From the comments he seemed like a great guy that has a great family. My thoughts and prayers are with this family!
Posted by: Amanda Cain on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I would like to thank everyone how has been there for my family. It has helped us in so many ways. Steven was a special person and I will miss him so much. I will remember him always. We love you ORB!!
Posted by: So Sorry on Oct 10, 2008 at 08:26 AM
So terribly sorry for your loss. Love and Prayers!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 07:16 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. I am so sorry for your loss. I dont think alot of people realize how hard our coalminers work and how dangerous it can be. God bless u all
Posted by: Tina on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Steven is my cousin, and I just want to say Thank You to everyone for the support,and prayers. PLEASE continue to pray for our family.
Posted by: christine on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:58 PM
To stevens sisters Iam soo sorry to hear about your brother my brother was killed in a massey mines i know some of the pain you are going though.It will get better with time alot of time you dont forget them you just learn how to deal with the pain better. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Posted by: Amanda on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:51 PM
My deepest sypathy for the family and friends of the fallin coal miner. My husband is a miner in boone county. It just seems like here lately this stuff is just hitting to close to home. People say alot of time that is was a mistake on the miner's part,but in my belief it's a mistake on every miner's part. I mean when when your in that situation all you have are each others back's. Im pretty sure the big man is not going to come out of his office to make sure his men are safe!
Posted by: Tina Sparks on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:11 PM
My heart goes out to his wife, kids, and family and deepest sympothy .. it is going to be hard for hte miners that had worked with him to go back into that mines that had grown close to him i have a brother who works there that it has bothered alot ... GOD LOVE YOU ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THIS MAN HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED ... MAY GOD BLESS AND COMFORT ALL
Posted by: Amanda on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:39 PM
My heart goes out to the family, I know from being a coal miner's daughter that is your biggest fear. Just wanted to say that your in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Relative on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Steve was a great guy, married to a wonderful girl, two beautiful children, parents and sisters anyone could want for. We will all miss him very much. God please help us all make it through this time of grief.
Posted by: miners on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Most mines are union-free now anyway. This topic has no place here. Support for the family is needed here and not blame placing. May God comfort the family and friends of this coal miner in their time of need.
Posted by: a viewer on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:21 PM
My deepest sympathy to his family. Mining is a very dangerous occupation. It is in our lifeblood. Each generation follows the next generation into the mining industry. That is the way West Virginians make their living. Unfortunately, people die mining coal. Again, my deepest sympathy to his family.
Posted by: DDCJ on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know him, but what I can see from his picture, he looks like a very nice young man. Prayers are with the family.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Wild bill has a heart.If you would check you would find that 9 out of 10 miners killed in mine accidents are killed at non-union operations.This is because if a miner speeks up about safety at a massy or other non-union mine they are fired. If a miner speeks up about safety at a union mine and he is fired the union will fight to get that miners job back. One of these days Don Blankenship and the board of directors will stand before God for judgement and I sure wouldn't want to be in their shoes.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:43 PM
To me a coalminer is almost like a solider with out them where would we be they give us so much and yet we give them so little. I think that a coal miner should be respected for making such a sacrafice. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the coal miners and soliders
Posted by: Pablo on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Perhaps if Blankenship would stay out of politics and concentrate on his job at Massey, maybe Massey mine workers and independent contractors wouldn't be injured or killed.
Posted by: Kylene on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:57 PM
I did not know Steve but I went to school with his sisters. My prayers go out to you. I can't imagine the pain in your heart right now. You will be in my thoughts. God bless the Cain family.
Posted by: J on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:45 PM
you know, this goes to show how much appreciation massey gives everyone. i am a massey employee, and they havent as much even gave the guy a day of silence. i bet if "daddy don" b. would die, they would give him two weeks. this company puts food on my table, but thats all the respect this company gets from me. i work about 70 hours a week, not even including my drive time, and that leaves me no time with my family. god bless this young mans family, and JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED to this company for the disrespect they give to their employees.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:26 PM
My prayers are with this family,as it has been with all of the other miners that have paid the ultimate price for trying to take care of theif families...I pray that GOD will be with you and your family
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Please send prayers to every single person involved in this accident.
Posted by: April on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:20 PM
As the daughter of a coal miner, I wanted to send my condolences to this family expecially the children he may have. I know my dad would come home many days tired, sick of the dark hole, and grouchy. But now that I am older I know his sacrifice. I am so proud to be a miners daughter and proud of his "brothers" in the mining business as well! The husband, dad, and son you may have known is gone for now, but always remember that Jesus needed him more!
Posted by: Pat on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:13 PM
My prayer's are with the family ,I know God can help you all threw this ,my family has also been threw this ,my heart and prayer's are with you .I losted my Son and my grand children losted there Dad .God bless
Posted by: Raven on Oct 9, 2008 at 06:06 PM
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family anf friends of this fine young man.I have several questions. 1 If they were sent directly back in the mine in the same shift was there not a investigation done on how and why this happened.2 shouldnt the mine have preformed a root cause failure analysis to see this didnt happen again. They gave 30 seconds of silence and prayer and then said go to work.Seems to me a restucture of the accident 24-48 hrs later is sensless. But then again Im not running the mine.Justice #1 Mine-name sure dosent fit here where is the Jusice for the Family.
Posted by: John Doe on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:38 PM
God Bless his family, I will remain nameless, but Massey Energy showed him no respect, by sending the crew back in on the same shift that he passed away and made the next shift work as well with the news still fresh in their minds. This proves to me and alot of other people that work their that Massey cares not about their employees, but the almighty dollar. They gave 30 seconds of silence and prayer and then said go to work. The focus should be on the young man and his family, but for gods sake, show some respect to the fallen brother that we have lost.
Posted by: wife of a on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:31 PM
This is something I fear everyday...may God Bless this family without heavy hearts and may they find it easier everyday to deal with his absence. Thank you coalminers for all you do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cain family.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:02 PM
My heartfelt prayers go out to this family. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless You!
Posted by: Jennifer on Oct 9, 2008 at 05:00 PM
This is Steven's sister and my family and I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers
Posted by: Phil on Oct 9, 2008 at 04:41 PM
God bless his family,so tragic.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Let all thoughts and prayers go out to all of the members and families that are involved in this terrible accident.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:15 PM
As a friend of the family I would like to say how very sorry I am for the loss of their loved one. Two small children are now w/o their dad and a young woman is w/o her husband. I will be praying for the entire family. God bless you all.
Posted by: Reba on Oct 9, 2008 at 03:14 PM
My heart goes out to the family. My thoughts and prayer are with the family. He was really good person.
Posted by: Leanna Ellis on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:05 PM
My husband is a contract miner and I worry about things like this every single night when the leaves the house. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Cain's family as well as the thosands of coal miners who go underground every day to support their families. May God keep his hand of protection over every miner, every day and bring them home safely to their loved ones.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 01:04 PM
wildbill get a heart someone lost their life and all you care about is if its union or not...grow up
Posted by: Mindi on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:43 AM
My heart goes out to a brother miner and his family. My husband is also a coal miner and not a day goes by that I don't worry that I won't see him again when he walks out the door to go to work. Coal miners are the unsung heroes of this country. Thank you to all who put your lives at risk everyday so we can enjoy the things that electricity provides. God bless you all and God be with the family of Steven Cain.
Posted by: Brandy on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:14 AM
This is such horrible news. I hate to hear these things, as my husband works in the mines aswell. My prayers are with the family at this hard time.
Posted by: Heather on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Sad... My heart goes out to the family...
Posted by: dS on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:25 AM
my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Posted by: Prenter on Oct 9, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Thanks for telling facts, instead of just reporting breaking news whether it be truth or just breaking news.
Posted by: wildbill on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:57 AM
was this a union mine?
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:40 AM
its Steven CAIN
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:38 AM
It was Steven Cain not Coin. This is horrible. He leave behind a wife and 2 young kids. We love you Steven! RIP
Posted by: Mom of coal miner on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:18 AM
My heart goes out to this family. I have a son that is a coal miner he works at this mine where this man was fatally injured last night. He said is was just a unfortunate accident and the co-workers did everything possible to save this man. May God Bless this family and God be with all the workers that was affected by this tragic accident.
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