Victim Randal McCloy

Randal McCloy of Simpson, WVA, was the victim of a coal mine explosion in January 2006, but he also was the sole survivor out of the 13 miners who were trapped two miles down.

No one quite knows how McCloy, 26, survived the Sago Mine tragedy. He was unconscious and in critical condition when rescuers reached him. Although he had no broken bones, he was cold and in shock and remained in a coma for roughly two weeks.

After many weeks of physical and speech therapy, the young miner was sufficiently recovered to return home to his wife and two small children.

The mine explosion and its one survivor received enormous media coverage.