LEWIS COUNTY, WV — A deep and collective sorrow has blanketed communities across West Virginia following the unexpected death of former State Delegate Doug Skaff Jr., who was killed in a tragic car accident Tuesday afternoon, June 10. The crash occurred near mile marker 101 on Interstate 79, close to the Jane Lew and Weston exits in Lewis County. Skaff, a well-known figure in West Virginia politics and media, was 48 years old.
According to initial reports, the crash took place around 4:15 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-79. Emergency services, including HealthNet, quickly responded to the scene. Authorities temporarily shut down I-79 southbound as crews worked to assess the situation and secure the area. As of Tuesday evening, official details about the number of vehicles involved and the specific circumstances leading to the crash have not been released by law enforcement or emergency responders. The investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing.
News of Doug Skaff Jr.’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves throughout the Mountain State. A man known for his deep-rooted commitment to West Virginia, Skaff built a career not only in public service, but also in media, business, and community development. He was a former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he served several terms representing the people of Kanawha County. Skaff’s leadership within the Democratic Party and his role in various community projects made him a familiar and respected face across the state.
Beyond politics, Doug Skaff held influential roles in the media landscape of West Virginia. He was the president of HD Media, the company that owns and publishes the Charleston Gazette-Mail along with several other regional newspapers. In 2024, he was appointed interim president of the West Virginia Press Association, further solidifying his position as a central figure in the state’s media and journalism efforts.
Tributes poured in immediately after the news of his death was confirmed. One of the earliest statements came from the Kanawha County Commission, which expressed profound grief and admiration for the man they described as a dedicated public servant and cherished friend. Commission President Ben Salango, visibly shaken by the news, shared his personal grief in a heartfelt message. “I’ve known Doug for nearly 25 years, and I am absolutely devastated. Tera and I are praying for his wonderful family and friends.”
Commissioner Lance Wheeler also paid tribute, highlighting the deeply personal qualities that made Skaff beloved by many. “Doug Skaff was more than just an elected official. He was a true champion for his community, a family-first man, and a friend. My family and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his loved ones.”
Commissioner Natalie Tennant echoed those sentiments, describing Skaff as “a true public servant who loved his family, his friends, and his church.” She also noted his most recent community efforts, particularly his role in revitalizing Fazio’s Family Restaurant, a beloved local institution that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and love for West Virginia’s cultural heritage.
Doug Skaff’s legacy is one that spans multiple arenas—government, media, business, and faith. He was a man whose professional life was deeply intertwined with his personal values. In every role he assumed, Skaff carried with him a fierce loyalty to his community, a determination to improve lives, and a heartfelt dedication to family. Those who knew him personally often speak first of his warmth, humor, and generosity, long before mentioning his resume.
His colleagues and friends recall his approachable demeanor and unshakable optimism. Whether debating policy on the floor of the state house or chatting with a local business owner about economic development, Skaff brought energy, compassion, and clarity to every conversation. He was a skilled communicator, a passionate advocate, and a man who genuinely listened.
Doug Skaff’s faith also played a defining role in his life. A devoted Christian, he was an active member of his church and often credited his spiritual foundation as a guiding force in both his public and private life. Friends say that his relationship with his faith, his wife, and his three sons grounded him through both triumph and challenge.
The suddenness of his passing has left many in disbelief. Just days before the accident, Skaff was reportedly working on media projects and community initiatives. Those who interacted with him during his final days recall a man full of vision and drive—a man who remained committed to building a better West Virginia up to his last moments.
In honor of his life and service, the Kanawha County Courthouse has ordered all flags on county property to be lowered to half-staff. This gesture reflects not only official mourning, but also the immense respect and admiration that Skaff earned over the course of his public and professional life. West Virginians from every corner of the state are sharing their condolences, memories, and prayers, painting a vivid picture of a man who never stopped giving back to the place he called home.
While many mourn Doug Skaff Jr. as a public figure, the deepest grief is felt by his family. His wife and three sons now face the unimaginable reality of life without their husband and father. Friends of the family describe them as close-knit, loving, and fiercely supportive of one another. Community members are already mobilizing to offer support, whether through meal trains, memorial services, or simply showing up in the days and weeks ahead to help ease their burden.
As the investigation into the crash continues, attention now turns to preserving Doug Skaff’s memory and honoring the causes he held dear. Plans for public memorials are expected to be announced in the coming days. Several local leaders have proposed establishing a scholarship fund or community grant in Skaff’s name—initiatives that reflect his enduring commitment to education, youth development, and community progress.
For many, the sudden loss of a figure like Doug Skaff serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility. But even in mourning, there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for the decades of service, the leadership in uncertain times, and the humanity he brought to every role. Skaff’s story is not just one of politics or business—it’s a story of heart, of service, and of unwavering love for the people and the state of West Virginia.
As West Virginians prepare to say goodbye, one thing is certain: Doug Skaff Jr.’s legacy will continue to inspire. In every newsroom that values truth, in every community project that uplifts a neighborhood, and in every young person striving to make a difference—his presence will be felt. The words he spoke, the causes he championed, and the lives he touched are indelible parts of a legacy that no accident can erase.
The highway where Doug Skaff lost his life will now carry more than traffic—it will carry memory. Mile marker 101 on I-79 near Jane Lew will forever be more than a location on a map. It will be a point of reflection, a place where a great West Virginian took his final journey, and where his legacy begins a new chapter—one carried forward by the people, projects, and communities he so passionately served.
May he rest in peace, and may his family find strength in the love and legacy he leaves behind.
The post West Virginia Mourns the Loss of Doug Skaff Jr. After Tragic Crash on I-79 in Lewis County first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
