Shuttle Car Operator fatality at Panther Eagle Mine (Marfork Coal Company), WV, April 2, 2026

Employee was setting timbers for the next retreat mining lift inby spad 21417 when the slab cut entry that was previously cut fell to the roof bolts causing draw rock to strike the employee. Employee was coherent and alert while being transported outside. During transportation to medical facility they suffered a cardiac arrest. Incident remains under investigation.

On April 2, 2026, at 5:05 p.m., Aaron Warrix, a 53-year-old shuttle car operator with over 23 years of mining experience, died after being struck by falling roof rock when he was installing roadside-radius (turn) posts on a pillar section. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) ensure that no person worked or traveled under unsupported roof, 2) follow the approved roof control plan, and 3) conduct an adequate on-shift examination.

1. The mine operator did not ensure that no person worked or traveled under unsupported roof.

   Corrective action: The mine operator retrained all miners and supervisors on the requirement that no person work or travel under unsupported roof and implemented procedures to ensure supports are installed from supported areas. Additionally, the operator revised the RCP to include a different method for the installation of radius (turn) posts to minimize exposure.

2. The mine operator did not follow the approved roof control plan.

   Corrective action: The mine operator trained miners and supervisors on the approved RCP, including lift dimensions, support requirements, and extraction sequence. Management also revised the RCP to require the mine foreman, or an equivalent mine official, to travel to the retreat section weekly, observe a complete mining cycle, and record the observation in the pre-shift/on-shift examination book.

3. The operator did not conduct an adequate on-shift examination.

   Corrective action: The mine operator retrained certified persons on conducting adequate examinations, identifying hazardous conditions, and correcting and recording these hazardous conditions before work begins or continues in the affected areas.

Read the full report (PDF)

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Timbering, Build Cribs

Subunit / location

UNDERGROUND

Underground location

FACE

Mining method

Continuous Mining

Accident type

Struck by falling object

Source of injury

CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE

Nature of injury

CRUSHING

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

24 years

Experience at this mine

5 years

Experience in this job

20 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY

Related fatalities