Governor and First Lady Justice issue statement on death of coal miner in Marshall County

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice issued the following statement today after learning of the death of a coal miner in Marshall County. Jeffrey A. Phillips, 44, a worker for contractor NextGen Industrial Services, was fatally injured Friday morning when he fell while working above a beltline in the prep plant of the Ohio County Coal Company’s Ohio County Mine, located in Marshall County.

“Any time we lose one of our brave and important West Virginia coal miners, it’s a terrible thing. Cathy and I are heartbroken for his loved ones and fellow miners. We ask that all West Virginians join us in keeping this man and his family in your prayers during this difficult time.

“We’d also ask you to remember and appreciate everyone who does this important work. We should never take for granted the strength and selflessness that it takes to go underground to keep the lights on for the people across our state and our nation.”