Mr Grant, 35, of Metford, and his co-worker, Jamie Mitchell, 49, of Aberdare, were killed when a wall 

collapsed in the Austar Coal Mine. 

The men were working 500 metres below the surface and 10 kilometres along the mine when tragedy struck about 9.50pm on Tuesday. 

Five workmates tried to save the men but were forced to leave because of 

safety fears. Both men have left behind devastated families, among them Mr Grant’s seven-year-old son. 

The father and son joined the Maitland Tenambit BMX Club about three years ago. 

“He [Mr Grant] did a lot with his son,” club president Darren Muncaster said. 

“[His son is] going to miss him big time. They did a lot together as father and son. They had a lot of shared ­interests.”

He said Mr Grant was well liked within the club. 

“He was a good bloke, top bloke, he would help anyone. Everyone in the club liked him,” he said. 

“Everyone I’ve spoken to in the last couple of days can’t believe it, it’s such a shock.” 

Mr Muncaster, who also works in the mining industry, said the deaths have hit the club and community hard. 

“Where I live, every fifth house, someone works in the mines. 

“Today they still can’t believe it.” 

He said the club was in talks to host a tribute race for Mr Grant. 

About 8am on Thursday, mine rescue workers recovered Mr Mitchell’s body from the mine site.

Mr Grant’s body was also recovered from the site about 4.50pm that day. 

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.