Company and federal officials confirmed the death to ILN, with a Murray spokesperson identifying the victim as Ryan Lashley of Somerton.

US Mine Safety and Health Administration spokeswoman Amy Louviere said the incident occurred at about 4.30pm at the mine’s longwall.

According to preliminary information, Lashley was struck by a high-pressure hydraulic hose.

MSHA District 3 personnel were on the scene on Sunday and have commenced an investigation.

“[Operating company] American Energy sends its condolences to the family,” company officials said.

Century mine, which has a single longwall and continuous miner sections that extract from the Pittsburgh 8 seam, has about 450 workers.

It produced 6.8 million short tons last year.