Meeting Rick and Building a Life Worth Remembering
In the early pages of Kim Lane’s story, love didn’t wait long to bloom. After college, she met Rick, a shady boy, through a mutual friend, and a boating day on Stephens Lake sparked something real.
“From that day forward we were exclusive.”
The couple married in 1986, and even as both pursued demanding jobs, Kim teaching dance and Rick building a career as a coal miner, their life was rooted in family, community, and shared dreams. Rick wasn’t just a miner; he was a boss who cared deeply for his crew. Kim recalls him as someone who “loved being underground” and who would never ask his workers to do something he wouldn’t do himself. Their life together, including the birth of their son and then a cherished grandson, painted a picture of a couple deeply committed to each other and to the people around them.
Easter Sunday, Tragedy, and the Long Road After
The tone shifts dramatically on Easter weekend, when Rick’s devotion to his family intersected with the most devastating news. On April 5th, Rick’s day at the mine began as ordinary: he planned to take Monday off but kept moving, the way a good boss does for his team. The weeks that followed were a fog of fear, waiting, and grief as the community learned the truth about the UBB disaster. Kim describes the moment the room filled with names and the ache of hearing “no survivors” spoken aloud. The pain was compounded by heartbreak at a funeral that drew hundreds and, heartbreakingly, protests from outside. Through it all, Kim says the people who showed up—the state police, the community, and friends who stayed by her side—made the terrible process barely bearable. And even in the darkest moments, she finds a glimmer of grace:
“There were good people that really care about bad things that happen.”
A New Chapter: Love, Grandkids, and Keeping Rick’s Memory Alive
If the mining tragedy defined a part of Kim’s life, a new love and blended family defined another. After years of healing, Kim found companionship and support with John, a man who shared history with her and offered a steady hand as she rebuilt. The two now share a big, joyful life with five grandchildren and a sprawling, ever-changing family dynamic.
“This is my second chapter. This is my second half.”
Kim emphasizes the importance of moving forward in a way that honors Rick: “Rick would have wanted me to keep living.” She also credits the work of the community and a careful choice to pursue truth and accountability through documentaries and podcasts about UBB, which she says helped present a clearer, factual picture of what happened. Through it all, she holds on to memories: photos, heirlooms, and the legacy of Rick’s love for his family, as a compass for the future.
If you’re inspired by Kim’s resilience and want to hear more from a woman who courageously shares her journey from unimaginable loss to a thriving family life, check out the full interview. It’s a candid portrait of a community, a tragedy, and the everyday acts of grace that keep people going.
