Crime & Safety
Authorities Identify Charleston Man Killed in I-79 Crash
Elkview, WV – The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office has released the identity of the driver who was killed in a fatal crash on Interstate 79 late Friday night.…
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-09-21T19:00:49.145Z
Elkview, WV – The Kanawha County Sheriff 's Office has released the identity of the driver who was killed in a fatal crash on Interstate 79 late Friday night. The accident occurred within a construction zone, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff 's Office, the incident took place at approximately 11:38 p.m. on September 18, 2026, near the 9 mile marker. A Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound exited the roadway and entered a construction zone, where it struck the rear of a parked dump truck.
The driver of the Silverado, identified as 47 year old Thomas Edward Wines of Charleston, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Following the initial collision, the unoccupied Silverado re entered the roadway, where it was subsequently struck by a southbound Toyota RAV4.
The occupants of the Toyota, a driver and passenger, were not injured in the second collision. The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office Reconstruction Team is currently processing evidence from the site to determine the factors leading up to the vehicle's departure from the road.
The investigation into the incident is considered active and ongoing. Members of the public or witnesses with additional information regarding the events leading to the collision are encouraged to reach out to the Sheriff's Office.
Media inquiries regarding the status of the ongoing investigation may be directed to Sgt. Jeremy Burns at JeremyBurns@kcso.us or by calling 304 357 0047.
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