Visit our page of remembrance for all the miners here.
Benjamin David Rockhouse, 21, of Greymouth, was the brother of Daniel Rockhouse - who was one of the two men who walked out of the mine after the explosion on November 19.
Christchurch-born Ben had worked for Pike River Coal since June 2008.
His father Neville was the safety and training manager at the company.
Amid the tragedy, the brothers' grandfather "Rocky" died of a heart attack on the same day as the initial explosion, according to a Facebook posting.
Sonya Rockhouse revealed the family's disaster on the social networking site: "Just to also let you know that 'Rocky' (Nevilles Dad) passed away suddenly last night.
"Its a terrible time for many. Rest in peace Rocky. Sonya will let u all know more when she can. Sonya wants to let you all know that the Pike mine where Daniel and Ben work has had an explosion and Ben, with 26 other men are trapped underground.
"Daniel managed to get himself out and he saved a mans life...hes our hero! Sonya and our family are waiting patiently for good news. Sonya wants you all to pray for Bens safe return. WE LOVE YOU
BEN & DANIEL!"
Just hours before going into the mine for a shift, Ben wrote
on Facebook: "Can't go a day without hurting myself."
