River View Mine site of an accident
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2021) – A 48-year-old coal miner passed away early Saturday morning from injuries sustained in an accident at a Union County underground coal mine. Lester Daugherty Jr., of Sturgis, Ky., a mechanic with 16 years of experience, suffered critical injuries at the 16,000-foot-deep River View mine in Wavery, Ky.
Daugherty Jr., who began his shift at 11 p.m. Friday, was performing maintenance on a continuous miner at the time of his death. The Kentucky Department for Natural Resources, Division of Mine Safety, sent investigators to the mine early Saturday morning, following the accident. All mining operations were shut down during the site inspection and remained closed today.
“We are deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Mr. Daugherty Jr.,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We join everyone across Kentucky who offer their prayers and support for his family, friends, and community as they mourn his untimely loss.”
The Division of Mine Safety last inspected the mine on Oct. 18, 2021.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the Daugherty family,” Kentucky Energy and Environment Secretary Rebecca Goodman said. “We are investigating this accident and will do everything that we can to understand how this happened and prevent such future loss of life among miners.”
####