The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster
On April 5, 2010, tragedy struck in the coalfields of West Virginia, forever changing the lives of 29 miners and their families. The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster stands as one of the deadliest mine disasters in recent U.S. history, and though time has passed, the memories of those who lost their lives remain deeply etched in the hearts of their loved ones, their community, and Appalachia.
The Cost of Coal
Coal mining is a way of life for many here in Appalachia, passed down from generation to generation. It’s more than just a job – it’s how families keep food on the table and support their communities. The sacrifices made by miners are often invisible, but when tragedy hits, it reminds us just how dangerous the work can be.
On that terrible day in April, a massive explosion ripped through the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, WV. The explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas and coal dust, which ignited and took the lives of 29 brave men who had kissed their families goodbye that morning, never knowing they wouldn’t be coming home.
Honoring the Miners
We must never forget the men who lost their lives that day. Their sacrifice was felt not just in their hometowns, but across the country. They were sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, and friends. Each had a story, each had a family, and each deserves to be remembered.
Here are the names of the 29 miners we lost in the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster:
Carl Calvin “Pee Wee” Acord: Age 52
Jason Atkins: Age 25
Christopher Bell: Age 33
Gregory Steven Brock: Age 47
Kenneth A. Chapman: Age 53
Robert E. Clark: Age 41
Cory Thomas Davis: Age 20
Charles Timothy Davis: Age 51
Michael Lee “Cuz” Elswick: Age 56
William Ildon “Bob” Griffith: Age 54
Steven “Smiley” Harrah: Age 40
Edward Dean Jones: Age 50
Richard K. Lane: Age 55
William Roosevelt Lynch: Age 59
Joe Marcum: Age 57
Ronald Lee Maynor: Age 31
Nicolas Darrell McCroskey: Age 26
James E. “Eddie” Mooney: Age 51
Adam Keith Morgan: Age 21
Rex L. Mullins: Age 50
Joshua Scott Napper: Age 25
Howard D. “Boone” Payne: Age 53
Dillard Earl “Dewey” Persinger: Age 32
Joel R. “Jody” Price: Age 55
Gary Wayne Quarles: Age 33
Deward Allan Scott: Age 58
Grover Dale Skeens: Age 57
Benny Ray Willingham: Age 61
Ricky Workman: Age 50
These miners were doing what they had always done—working hard to support their families and communities. Their lives were cut short far too soon, but their memories live on in the hearts of those who loved them.
Keeping Their Memories Alive
In honor of the 29 miners, I’ve created a YouTube Memorial Video where we remember the sacrifices of these brave men. I invite you to take a moment to watch it, reflect, and share in the remembrance of their lives. Each name, each story, matters. If you wish, you may leave a condolence here or on YouTube in the comments.
A Community in Mourning, A Community Moving Forward
The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster wasn’t just an event in history; it’s a wound that still runs deep in the families and the communities who lost so much that day. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for safer working conditions in the mines, so that no family has to endure a tragedy like this again.
Visiting the UBB Miners Memorial
If you ever find yourself near Whitesville, West Virginia, take the time to visit the Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial. This beautiful tribute honors the 29 miners who lost their lives, ensuring their stories live on for future generations. The memorial stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by coal miners and the importance of improving mine safety.
You can learn more about the memorial and its significance by visiting Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial. If you're interested in visiting or supporting the memorial, all the details can be found on their official website.
While you're visiting our blog, I invite you to explore and share this tribute with others. We can honor the memories of these miners not only through videos, but by sharing stories, offering prayers, and supporting their families. If you have a coal mining story of your own or want to honor a loved one, join us in our Coal Miners Memorial and Tributes group. It’s a space where we keep these legacies alive through personal reflections and collective remembrance.
God Bless
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