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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- One of the Mountain State's leaders is remembering those who perished in a coal mine explosion in Upshur County that was one of the nation's worst mining disasters.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., released the following statement ahead of the upcoming 18th anniversary of the Sago Mine disaster.
"Eighteen years ago, we lost 12 brave coal miners who went to work at the Sago Mine and never returned home to their beloved families. In their honor, West Virginians worked together to pass legislation that improved safety standards for our miners who sacrifice every day to power our great nation," Manchin said.
"The anniversary of this tragedy reminds us that our miners are willing to risk their lives for us, and we owe it to them to prioritize their health and safety.
"Gayle and I will keep the miners' families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, and we encourage all West Virginians to take a moment to remember and honor the 12 courageous West Virginians who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our great state and nation," said Manchin, who was governor of West Virginia when the tragedy occurred.
On Jan. 2, 2006, an explosion and collapse in the Sago Mine trapped 13 miners for nearly two days -- leaving only Randal McCloy Jr. as the sole survivor.
For days and weeks after, the area was the center of national attention as friends and families grieved over the loss of their loved ones and struggled to understand why the tragedy occurred.
McCloy was in critical condition when found. He then spent several weeks in a coma before pulling through.
The victims were identified as Tom Anderson; James Bennett; Marty Bennett; Jerry Lee Groves; George Junior Hamner; Terry Helms; Jesse L. Jones; David Lewis; Martin Toler Jr.; Fred G. Ware Jr.; Jackie Weaver; and Marshall Winans.
A public memorial service for the victims was held on Jan. 15 at Wesley Chapel at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.
Ten years later, in April 2016, the Sago Mine Disaster Memorial Stone was dedicated at the Blue & Gray Park in Philippi.