Gov. Jim Justice on Friday afternoon issued a statement regarding the death of a coal miner earlier in the day. Colton Walls, 34, of Bruceton Mills, passed away this afternoon from injuries he sustained while working as a longwall electrician at the Arch Coal, Leer Mining Complex in Taylor County, according to the release. Walls is survived by his wife, Jonda, and his three children. “Our miners are the backbone of West Virginia, and every loss we experience hits us to our deepest cores,” Gov. Justice said. “The heart and soul of West Virginia are found in our coal miners, and today, we grieve the loss of one of our own. I’m told that Mr. Walls was truly dedicated, hardworking, and brave, and I know he’ll be dearly missed by many.