Statement of Bill Case, director of public information, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center:

“It has come to our attention that a national tabloid may have obtained a photograph of Randal McCloy that was taken by a visitor at WVU Hospitals. This photograph was taken without the authorization of his next-of-kin or the knowledge of hospital staff.

“Since Mr. McCloy’s admission to WVU Hospitals in the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 4, we have worked with Mrs. McCloy and other family members to protect his privacy. His family is aware of the genuine interest that people across the country have expressed in his well-being. Because of that, they have authorized us to update the media on his medical condition.

“In keeping with Mrs. McCloy’s wishes, we have prohibited the media from visiting this patient or obtaining his photo while at our hospital. However, we have granted access to members of his family, as his medical condition would permit.

“Because of the extraordinary media presence at the Sago Mine during the hours leading up to his rescue, many members of his family established communications and relationships with reporters and photographers. We consider the publication or distribution of any unauthorized photograph an invasion of our patient’s privacy, and of the expressed wishes of his next-of-kin.”