November 14, 2025 Governor Morrisey Orders Flags Lowered to Honor the Courageous Actions of Steve Lipscomb ...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey has ordered flags to be flown at half staff to honor the life and final actions of Steve Lipscomb, who lost his life working at the Rolling Thunder Mine in Nicholas County.

"All of West Virginia mourns the loss of this courageous man," said Governor Morrisey. "Steve was a veteran of the Marine Corps, a Purple Heart recipient, a husband, and a father of two. He spent his final moments ensuring his men could escape to safety."

On November 8, 2025, a section of the Rolling Thunder Mine flooded after an old mine wall was compromised. Lipscomb, the foreman, stood his ground until every member of his crew was evacuated. The water filled the shaft, making escape impossible. For five days, crews worked around the clock to rescue Lipscomb, but sadly he did not survive.

"Denise and I are praying for Steve's family, friends, colleagues, and the entire coal mining community in West Virginia," continued Morrisey. "Our coal miners represent some of the most courageous among us, and Steve was a testament to that."

The order signed by Governor Morrisey recognizes all West Virginia coal miners who have lost their lives on the job in 2025 - Mark Hatfield, Billy Stalker, Eric Batram, Joey Mitchell, and Lipscomb.

Flags must be lowered to half staff at all state buildings in West Virginia from Noon on November 14, 2025, to sunset on the day of Lipscomb's internment.

Read the full proclamation here.