Preston County dad dies after accident at Taylor County mine

GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — A 34-year-old from Preston County died Friday after being injured in an accident at the Leer Mine in Taylor County.

Gov. Jim Justice announced Friday afternoon that Colton Walls, 34 of Bruceton Mills, died on Oct. 4. He was injured in the Leer Mining Complex in Barbour County while working as a longwall electrician. The release said that Walls had a wife and three children.

The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training and the Mine Safety and Health Administration are investigating the death, Justice said.

“Our miners are the backbone of West Virginia, and every loss we experience hits us to our deepest cores,” Gov. Justice said in the release. “The heart and soul of West Virginia are found in our coal miners, and today, we grieve the loss of one of our own. I’m told that Mr. Walls was truly dedicated, hardworking, and brave, and I know he’ll be dearly missed by many. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible sacrifices made by those who have the courage to be a miner. So, please hold his family and loved ones close in your hearts tonight. Cathy and I will continue to keep him and all our other miners in our prayers.”

Several fundraisers to support the family are happening in Preston County. You can search the #WallsStrong for more information.

This is the second death at the Leer Mining Complex in 2024. William Joe Crandall, 57, of Fairmont died in early August two days after being struck in the head while working underground .

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