DPNews@DominionPost.com
MONONGALIA COUNTY — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle accident that occurred early Sunday morning, March 15.
At approximately 4:30 a.m., MECCA 911 alerted deputies to a crash near mile marker 143 on Interstate 79 South. According to witness reports, a vehicle traveling southbound lost control and veered off the roadway. The vehicle became airborne and struck a tree on the hillside situated between the interstate and Smithtown Road.
The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was found deceased at the scene. Authorities have identified the victim as a juvenile from Harrison County. Out of respect for the family and due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the individual’s name is currently being withheld.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist with recovery and the initial investigation:
- Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office (including the Crash Reconstruction Team)
- Monongalia County EMS
- Clinton District VFD
- Winfield District VFD
- West Virginia DOT
No other vehicles were involved in the incident. No further information is available at this time as the investigation continues. At this time, there are no closures on I-79.
