At Hurricane Creek, thirty-eight men died in explosions in mine Shafts 15 and 16 on December 30, 1970. They sacrificed for their families, labored in the mines, and lost their lives so future generations might benefit from a better life. The dead ranged from eighteen to sixty years old and left behind wives, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren. Many had worked for years in the mines of Clay and Leslie Counties, while some had been on the job only months, weeks, or even their first day back after an absence. Several were linked by family ties or close friendship, including brothers, twins, brothers-in-law, a father-in-law, and a best friend who also died in the disaster. The men came from places including Leslie County, Clay County, Manchester, Elk Creek, Paces Creek, Billy’s Branch, Greasy Branch, Lyttleton, and Couch’s Branch, and they are honored so they will never be forgotten.