Steve Lipscomb

This week has proved a stark reminder that, for as intelligent as we are, and for all our technological marvels, we exist on this Earth solely by the grace and mercy of forces beyond the capacity for human understanding. 

We at RealWV did not know Steve Lipscomb. We do not know if he was a husband, or a father – a fan of sports, or a man of faith. But what we do know is that when the Rolling Thunder Deep Mine near Drennen flooded on Saturday, Steve Lipscomb stayed inside to ensure that the rest of his crew made it out safely. In total, 17 men emerged from that mine on Saturday, but Stephen Lipscomb was not among them. 

And while we did not know Steve Lipscomb, we share the grief of his family and loved ones. We lost one of our own this week – all West Virginians did. He was a miner, and a hero, and we must all keep his name on our lips and in our hearts. 

For his bravery, and his sacrifice, it is with solemn pride that we declare Steve Lipscomb to be a certified Real West Virginian.