The well-known coal magnate Robert Murray has died. He led Ohio-based Murray Energy from 1988 until he recently retired shortly after filing for black lung benefits with the federal government.
Murray died at his home less than a week after announcing his retirement as board chairman of the major U.S. coal operator.
An attorney for Murray confirmed the Sunday morning death of the 80-year-old in St. Clairsville to The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register newspaper.
The attorney told the newspaper that a private memorial service is planned for Tuesday.
Murray rose to national fame with his lawsuits against government regulation and the 2007 collapse of the Crandall Canyon Mine in Utah that killed six miners and three people trying to rescue them.
Murray had announced his retirement on Monday, Oct. 19. Reports also recently stated Murray applied for black lung benefits with the U.S. Department of Labor. No official cause of death was given.
