Marine veteran dies

Marine Corps veteran Steven M. Lipscomb, 42, died while ensuring his mining crew escaped a sudden flood at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Elkview, West Virginia. Officials say a routine shift turned deadly when an old mine wall collapsed, releasing a surge of water.

Lipscomb was last seen helping his men evacuate. Every crew member survived, but he was trapped when the water filled the shaft. Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised him as a hero who put others’ lives above his own. Rescue teams searched for five days before locating his body once water levels dropped enough for crews to re-enter the mine.

Alpha Metallurgical Resources CEO Andy Eidson said Lipscomb’s actions were undeniably heroic, expressing condolences to his wife, two children, and colleagues. Lipscomb had worked for the company since 2006 and became a respected foreman in 2015.

Courage had defined his life long before mining. As a Marine rifleman, Lipscomb fought in the First Battle of Fallujah and survived an IED attack in 2004. His wife Heather said his military training shaped his instinct to protect others, noting he always put his crew’s safety first.

At home, Lipscomb was a devoted husband and father to two daughters, ages 13 and 17. After leaving military service, he built a life with his wife Heather, dedicating himself to his family and community.

Leaders across the country honored him, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, who called him “a great American.”

His death marked the 29th mining fatality of the year and the fifth in West Virginia, the highest of any state. Lipscomb is remembered as a Marine, a father, and a man who consistently chose courage and service until his final moments.