Miner Killed in Accident Leaves Behind 5-year-old Daughter

A Martin County Coal Mine remains closed while state investigators try to determine what caused an accident that killed a miner Monday night. 26 year old Ryan Thatcher died from head injuries suffered inside Martin County Coal’s Voyager Number Seven Mine. Thatcher’s family and friends are mourning the loss. Ryan Thatcher lived in Magoffin County. His family and friends say he loved working in the mines, and cannot believe his life ended so soon. Five year old Emma Grace lost her father, 26 year old Ryan Thatcher. “We had Emma and she is his spitting image. He was an amazing father, and just an amazing guy,” Danielle Howard said. She says Emma was one of Thatcher’s greatest loves in life. He also loved his job in an underground coal mine. “He thought his job in the mines was one of the greatest that he could ever have,” Rick Howard said. State officials say Thatcher was killed in an accident inside the Martin County coal mine Monday night.. The Magoffin County community says he leaves a void that can never be replaced. However, they say part of him lives on through his daughter. “She’s so energetic just like Ryan was. He was a real pleasure to see. We always lit up when he came around,” Rick Howard said. “We loved him so much and we’re going to miss him,” Danielle Howard said. She says their lives will never be the same without him. Visitation for Thatcher begins Wednesday after five o’clock at the Magoffin County Funeral Home. His funeral will be Friday at 1pm, also at the funeral home. State investigators say it appears Thatcher was operating a track locomotive pulling two car loads of supplies when the accident happened.