Miner Killed In Greene County Laid To Rest

Funeral services were held Monday for a coal miner killed by falling rocks last week in Greene County.

Robert Maust, 54, of Uniontown, died early Wednesday morning after being struck by falling rocks. The accident happened late Tuesday at the Bailey Mine.

Maust's funeral was held at St. Joseph Church in Uniontown.

Maust was struck in the torso, authorities said. Fellow miners attended to him immediately and performed CPR. Maust was taken to the hospital via helicopter and pronounced dead a short time later.

In an emotional interview Wednesday, Maust’s wife, Linda Maust, told Channel 11 News she was shocked when she heard the news.

"We didn't talk much about the danger. He didn't want to worry me, but I never thought I would get this call, never," said Linda Maust.

“He loved his family. He would do anything for us,” said Maust’s son, Bob.

"He was probably the greatest man I ever knew in my life. Growing up, he was hard on you, but he made me who I am today," said Maust's other son, Todd.

Maust’s sons and wife said he was a frequent volunteer at the area St. Vincent DePaul store, helping the poor.

Maust had been laid off several times from various mines over the years but was proud to call himself a coal miner, according to his family.

Channel 11 visited the Crab Apple Portal of the long-wall coal mine Wednesday. Normally 800 people are there on weekdays, but the mine was idle as the investigation into the accident continues with company, state and federal officials.

A representative from Consol Energy said the company tries to provide a safe work environment.

“Essentially, this was a real tragedy that you train and hope you’re prepared for, but the unexpected happens in coal mining as in a lot of other industries,” said Joe Cereniza, of Consol.