CHARLESTON — Sen. Tom Willis (R-Berkeley, 15) paid tribute Thursday to the 12 miners who died in the Sago Mine disaster 20 years ago. He serves as chairman of the West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee and is a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.
“Today, we honor the memory of these courageous miners, remember their sacrifice, and keep their families in our prayers,” Willis said. “Their bravery and devotion to one another stand as a powerful testament to what it means to be a West Virginian.”
On January 2, 2006, an explosion and collapse in the Upshur County mine trapped 13 miners underground for nearly two days. Only one miner survived, thanks to the selfless actions of his fellow workers, who gave up their own oxygen to save the life of Randal McCloy, a young husband and father.
The miners who lost their lives were:
- Tom Anderson, 39, of Rock Cave;
- Jerry Lee Groves, 56, of Cleveland, Webster County;
- James Bennett, 61, of Volga;
- George Junior Hamner, 54, from Sago and Glady Fork;
- Marty Bennett, 51, of Buckhannon;
- Terry Helms, 50, of Newburg, Preston County;
- Jesse L. Jones, 44, of Pickens;
- Fred G. Ware Jr., 59, of Tallmansville;
- David Lewis, 28, of Thornton, Taylor County;
- Jackie Weaver, 51, of Philippi;
- Martin Toler Jr., 51, of Flatwoods;
- and Marshall Winans, 50, of Belington.
Willis’ remarks come as the state observes two decades since one of West Virginia’s deadliest mining tragedies, honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in service to their families, community, and country.
