Two found dead in abandoned coal mine

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. (WVVA) - Two men have been found dead following a missing persons investigation.

Shortly after midnight on August 20, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office report that deputies responded to a call of two missing men in the Spruce Pine section of Buchanan County.

The initial investigation found that the pair may have entered an abandoned drift mine on Spruce Pine Road.

The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, along with the Mine Safety and Health Administration were contacted for assistance. Mine rescue teams from the Department of Energy and Coronado Mine Rescue aided in the search the mine.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., two bodies were located inside the mine.

The deceased are identified as 49-year-old Jerry Chambers Jr. of Jewell Ridge, Virginia and 53-year-old Jerry Orville Jenks of Paynesville, West Virginia. Their bodies have been sent to the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke for autopsy.

At this time no foul play is suspected.

The Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management provided equipment and support at the scene, while Oakwood Fire and Rescue assisted with emergency medical support and transport.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office thanks Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office for their concern and support during this incident