Miner remembered as a hero

NICHOLAS COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - “When it comes right down to it, would everyone do it? Be the hero?”

In Brenda Sizemore eyes, the man who stayed behind at a flooding mine in Nicholas County is a hero.

“He was very special,” Sizemore said about Steven Lipscomb.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said miners hit an unknown water pocket while working Saturday afternoon.

As tens of millions of gallons of water was rushing in, Alpha Metallurgical Resources said Elkview native and service foremen Steven Lipscomb, 42, was last seen attempting to ensure his crew made it out safely.

“He just did what a hero would do,” Sizemore said.

“He really wanted to do everything to save the lives of the other miners,” Morrisey said. “That’s a true West Virginian.”

After a five-day search, the governor said crews found Lipscomb’s body just after 7:30 Thursday morning -- leaving many heartbroken.

“It was just a shock and so sad,” Sizemore said. “I was so convinced he would be alive.”

“All of West Virginia is behind this family,” Morrisey said.

The governor said Lipscomb was a husband and father of two, a dedicated employee, a friend to many, and a Marine Corps veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart.

The governor said Lipscomb was the true embodiment of a West Virginian.

“He did so much good,” Morrisey said. “He was a man of service. I am so grateful to get a little bit of a glimpse into his life.”

Sizemore said even though she didn’t know Lipscomb, his actions will inspire her for the rest of her life.

“He is someone we can look up to,” Morrisey said. “Hope and pray that if we were ever in that situation, we could do as well as he did.”

All other miners in the area were able to safely evacuate the mine. The company is working closely with federal and state authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and its underlying causes.

For related coverage >>> Missing miner found dead

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