PITTSBURGH — An employee of Independence Coal Co., a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources Inc., has died after a fall at a coal preparation plant.

Clyde Dolin, 57, was a mechanic at Independence Coal’s Liberty preparation plant in Boone County, W.Va., Alpha Natural Resources said. He was an experienced worker with 39 years’ service in the coal industry.

"All of us are saddened by the loss of our friend and co-worker," said Eric Salyer, president of Independence Coal. "He was a bit of an institution here, as he had long service at the plant under its various owners."

Bristol, Va.-based Alpha acquired the Independence Mine and its assets when it absorbed Massey Energy Co. in 2011.