Relative of UBB victims shares perspective

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A woman who lost three family members in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster in 2010 is sharing her perspective following the loss of a life at a mine in Nicholas County.

“I leaned more on God than I did anything, because I was devastated,” Pam Napper said.

Napper lost three loved ones at UBB: her son, brother, and nephew.

Her heart is going out to the family of 42-year-old Steve Lipscomb, who was found deceased Thursday morning at a mine in Nicholas County.

“I’d tell the family right now, first of all I wish I could be there to hug you,” she said.

Napper says following her losses, support from community members and friends made a tremendous impact.

“I would not have made it without all the communities, and I mean the strangers as well as friends and family,” she said.

Officials said they believe Lipscomb prioritized helping his fellow miners escape the flooding when it started.

Napper hopes the family can take some solace from learning his bravery helped save others.

“I followed this story from the minute I saw it,” she said. “He is a hero. He sacrificed his life for all the other ones. I’d just like to tell his family they’re in my prayers. I can feel your pain. I’m just going to pray for you and hope you get some comfort and peace and strength in the days to come.”

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