West Virginia Mine Explosion: Names of the Dead List (Ongoing)

by Yuliya Talmazan | April 6, 2010 at 10:03 am

15913 views | 4 Recommendations | 10 comments

West Virginia Mine Explosion: Eleven Bodies Identified, Names Not Public Yet

As the families of the 25 miners killed in a mine explosion in Montcoal, West Virginia are trying to come to terms with their loss, the body identification effort is already ongoing. It is reported that eleven bodies have been retrieved from the Massey Energy mine so far. The bodies have been allegedly identified. However, the names of the dead miners are not being released yet.

The only unconfirmed reports of the possible identities of the dead miners are coming from the families of the mine explosion victims that are willing to talk to the media.

The casualty list below has not been confirmed by Massey Energy and is still ongoing. Governor Joe Manchin promised to release the names at a later date. Some of the names reported so far are:

--Benny R. Willingham, 62.

--Timmy Davis, 51 and his two nephews Josh Napper, 27, and Cory Davis, 20 (Davis' son Cody Davis and brother Tommy Davis were in the mine but survived).

--Gary Quarles, 33.

--Steve Harrah, 40.

--Deward Scott, 58.

--Boone Payne, 52.

--Carl Accord, 52.

--Jason Atkins, 25.

--Robert Clark, 41.

Meanwhile, families of the dead miners are complaining about how Massey Energy is handling the situation. It is alleged that some of the families have not been notified about the death of their loved ones directly by the company. Some even had to look through the list of the dead released by Massey Energy.

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin supported the families.

"The families want closure," Manchin told reporters. "They want names ... these families are good people. Hard-working people. They understand the challenges. Right now I told them to do what they do best. Love each other and come together as a family."

For more updates on the identities of the dead miners, follow the website of West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. More updates might become available on Massey Energy's website as well.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Sign In or Join to post comments

darlene EICHELBERGER (not verified)

at 16:33 on April 7th, 2010

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OUR LITTLE TOWN ENDURED THIS ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO IN BROOKWOOD AL. IT'S VERY HARD. COME TOGETHER AS FAMILY, PRAY TOGETHER. YOUR LOVED ONES WERE DOING WHAT THEY LOVED. THEY LOVE THEIR FELLOW MINERS AS BROTHERS. IT WILL BE HARD FOR YOUR TOWN, BE STRONG FOR EACH OTHER. AND KNOW THE REST OF THE COUNTRY MOURNS WITH YOU

Todd , Mandy, Evan and Heath Conley (not verified)

at 17:19 on April 7th, 2010

Boone Payne was a wonderful, caring and loving man. He had faced so much tragedy in his life and still had a kind word for everyone. He was a great friend of ours and we will keep in our hearts and remember him always.

Connie Kirk (not verified)

at 19:17 on April 8th, 2010

Boone Payne is a relative of mine. My heart pours out to the family. Every time I think of Boone it takes me back years ago when he lived at Cabin Creek and he took me down the hill in back of his home on a bike. I remember being so afraid. The hill was so step. But yet he asured me it would be alright. And it was. That ride with him has stayed with me for many of years. The thrill and excitement will never leave my memory. Love you Boone. RIP

Roger Pettry (not verified)

at 18:15 on April 7th, 2010

My family has worked the mines at Montcoal for a very long time. My heart and love goes out to the families who lost loved ones. I am sad to think that we, West Virginians, have been bought and sold over the years.

Fe Fe (not verified)

at 19:25 on April 7th, 2010

I am a college student who has been keeping close eye on the Mining Disaster. I have a family friend who was supposed to be down there when the explosion happened. However, we have not heard any word if he has survived or not. My prayers go out to his family as well as the other families.

Janedoe (not verified)

at 06:21 on April 8th, 2010

How many of these disasters is it going to take for our government to intervene and do something to protect our fellow citizens? It is blatantly obvious that the regulatory agencies are failing miserably. It is so sad when innocent lives are lost because of greed

Karen Cardona (not verified)

at 13:55 on April 8th, 2010

Our prayers go out to each and every person and family affected by this horrible tragedy. Please try to stay strong for each other, and strong in the Lord. What i don't understand is why was this mine still operating after so many safety citations in the past year? Why were none of these problems corrected of followed up on?

Jim McCracken (not verified)

at 18:15 on April 9th, 2010

I am 62 years old grew up on Cabin Creek at red Warrior Dad "Mac McCracken" worked at Kayford shop 20+ years. I was forbidden by him to work in the mines. And i never went past my fathers wishes. I want to say to the famalies I pray for each and everyone of you. Massey must be held accountable and fined for all of this. I lived in Buckhannon and was present when the Sago Incident happened. Another 12 lives lost senseless loss. God bless all of you.

RIP DAVID CHAD BOLEN. RIP BILLY RAY BOLEN (not verified)

at 12:11 on April 10th, 2010

This is so horrible these men go to work each day in these conditions to try and take care of their families and something like this happens....everyone thinks it can't happen to them or their family...my heart breaks for these families my husband lost a dad and a first cousion to the mines...it was proven that steps could have been taken to have prevented their deaths but nothing was ever done no amount of money could ever help the loss of your love one but to know this will help prevent this from happening might help ease your minds...I believe u should press the issues of safety or lack of in this case ...we shouldn't have to keep letting this happen..I will pray for you and your families it still hasn't got any easier for us but look to god and he will somehow get u through....rip. DAVID BOLEN rip...BlLLY RAY BOLEN