BARBOURSVILLE, Cabell County, W.Va., Nov. 13, 2026 — A 12-year-old boy died on Wednesday night, November 11, after a side-by-side off-road vehicle rolled over in Barboursville, according to the Cabell County Sheriff's Office. The driver, identified as his 51-year-old grandfather, has been charged with DUI causing death.
Deputies said they responded just after 5:50 p.m. to the 3000 block of Cyrus Creek Road and found the side-by-side flipped over. Investigators determined that the vehicle had left U.S. 60 before the crash. The sheriff's office said the driver, identified by a criminal complaint as Michael Hager of Barboursville, lost control while his grandson was riding with him. A preliminary investigation found Hager ran off the road after reportedly overcorrecting and rolled the vehicle.
The boy, identified by the sheriff's office as Abel Sims, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cabell County Schools confirmed he was a student at Barboursville Middle School.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies reported smelling alcohol on Hager and said he was slurring his words and nearly fell down a hillside off the roadway. The complaint also describes signs of impairment noted during questioning, including a flushed face, glassy eyes, and dilated pupils. Hager reportedly became uncooperative and was detained in a deputy's cruiser, the complaint states. He was arrested and charged with DUI causing death. The case remains under investigation.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Barboursville, WV
This crash happened on 3000 Cyrus Creek Road in Barboursville, WV. We cover crashes across Cabell County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Cabell County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes most commonly happen?
Rural roads and off-road areas frequently see fatal crashes, partly because of higher speeds, longer emergency response times, and less forgiving terrain off the paved roadway.
What factors raise the chances a crash will be fatal?
Impaired driving, loss of vehicle control, and lack of occupant restraints are common contributors. Rollovers, like the one described here, carry a higher risk of serious or fatal injury than many other crash types.
Does speed affect whether people survive a crash?
Yes. Higher speeds increase the force involved in a collision or rollover, giving occupants less chance of walking away without serious injury.
Why does wearing a seat belt matter so much?
Seat belts and proper restraints help keep occupants inside the vehicle and reduce the chance of being thrown during a rollover or collision, which is usually when the most severe injuries occur.
