GRAFTON, W.Va. – A miner has died after an accident in a mine in Taylor County.

State authorities said Joe Crandall, 57, of Fairmont, died Thursday underground at the Arch Coal Leer Mining Complex near Grafton.

Governor Jim Justice spoke about the death at his press conference Friday afternoon.

“We lost another miner. We lost a miner at the Leer Mining Complex,” Justice said. “They had an incredible safety record and did a lot of good work. We lost Joe Crandall, and that’s just terrible.”

Crandall leaves behind his wife Davina.

The death is the third fatality at a coal mine in West Virginia this year. Justice said miners are underestimated.

“Joe Crandall died trying to make your life and mine better. We should always remember that,” he said.

US Senator Joe Manchin commented on the death in a prepared statement.

“Gayle and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Crandall. West Virginians and all Americans are forever grateful for brave miners like Joe who risk their lives every day to power our nation. We ask all West Virginians to join us in keeping his family, friends and loved ones in our prayers during this devastating time. His courage will never be forgotten. Gayle and I extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s wife, Davina, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this incredible loss.”

Justice said Crandall and other miners were heroes.

“It is certainly an honorable but tough business, but we should show our miners great respect and gratitude every day,” Justice said.

Investigators from the state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training and the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration are investigating the cause of the accident, which was related to the transportation.

Crandall’s death is the second fatality at a mine in recent weeks. Ashley Cogar, 33, of Erbacon, died in late July after sustaining injuries earlier this month at the Wyco Surface Mine in Raleigh County near the Wyoming County border.