West Virginia mourns loss of miners; bishop asks for prayers

Published: 2006-01-04

WHEELING, W.Va. (CNS) -- What was thought to be a happy ending to the explosion at the Sago Coal Mine in Upshur County took a sad turn with the announcement Jan. 4 that 11 of the 12 miners thought to have been found alive late Jan. 3 had been instead found dead, with one clinging to life. The sole survivor, 27-year-old Randal McCloy of Simpson, was taken to West Virginia University's Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown for treatment. "Last night our hearts grieved to hear that one miner had died and rejoiced to hear that 12 miners had been found alive. Now our joy is diminished. We rejoice that one miner has survived and we grieve that 12 have died," said Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. "Our faith is in Jesus Christ. I ask all West Virginians to join me in praying that love, memories, belief in God and the support of their families and communities will help the families of these miners through this tragic time. We continue to pray for the recovery of Randal McCloy."

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