By Carol Robinson

June 20, 2017 - A Jasper, Alabama man was killed in a mining accident Monday night.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office on Tuesday identified the man as Marius Shepherd. He was 32.

The accident happened at 6:30 p.m. and then Shepherd was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A news release from Seneca Coal Company Oak Grove Mine said Shepherd was injured in a rail hauling accident. Oak Grove is a metallurgical coal mine, which means its coal is used to make steel. This is different from thermal coal, which is used to make energy.

The Federal Mine Safety & Health Administration and the Alabama Department of Labor are investigating the incident. Brent Micum, Seneca spokesman and general counsel, said the company is fully cooperating with investigators.

He asked that the community keep Shepherd’s family in their prayers “during this most difficult time.”