Two Men Found Dead Inside Abandoned Drift Mine in Buchanan County
BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. — A heartbreaking discovery was made Wednesday morning after two men reported missing were found deceased inside an abandoned drift mine in the Spruce Pine section of Buchanan County.
According to the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first called shortly after midnight on August 20, 2025, regarding the disappearance of two men who had not returned home. The men were last believed to have entered an abandoned drift mine off Spruce Pine Road.
Search Efforts Mobilized
Recognizing the potential dangers of an abandoned mine, the Sheriff’s Office quickly requested specialized support. The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, along with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), were contacted for assistance. Mine rescue teams from both the Department of Energy and Coronado Mine Rescue responded to the scene to conduct a coordinated search.
Throughout the night and into the morning, rescue teams worked to safely access the mine. At approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the grim discovery was made: two bodies were located inside the mine.
Victims Identified
Authorities later identified the deceased as:
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49-year-old Jerry Chambers Jr., of Jewell Ridge, Virginia
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53-year-old Jerry Orville Jenks, of Paynesville, West Virginia
Both men’s bodies have been transported to the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke for autopsies to determine the official cause of death.
No Signs of Foul Play
At this stage in the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office has stated that no foul play is suspected. The circumstances strongly indicate that the incident was a tragic accident. Officials noted that abandoned drift mines are extremely dangerous due to unstable structures, toxic gases, and lack of ventilation, making them unsafe for entry.
Multi-Agency Support and Response
The recovery operation involved an extensive collaboration of local and state agencies. The Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management provided equipment and logistical support to aid in the difficult terrain. Oakwood Fire and Rescue was also present, offering emergency medical support and assisting with the transport of the victims.
Sheriff’s officials also extended thanks to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office for their concern and support throughout the incident, noting that the tragedy has deeply impacted the community.
Community Impact
The deaths of Chambers and Jenks have left families and neighbors grieving in both Virginia and West Virginia. Both men were described by friends as hardworking individuals with deep ties to their communities.
While abandoned mines remain a part of the region’s landscape, officials are once again urging residents to avoid them due to the risks involved. This tragedy underscores the dangers of exploring or entering abandoned mine sites.
The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to assisting with all remaining aspects of the investigation.
