Wood Co., WV (August 11, 2026) – One person died and another was injured Sunday, August 9, in a single-vehicle collision on northbound Interstate 77 near mile marker 180.2. The crash was reported at approximately 1:11 p.m.
The vehicle left the roadway and entered the median. A passenger, 57-year-old Michael Todd Walker of Carrollton, Ohio, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver was taken for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. No further medical details were released.
Northbound Interstate 77 was temporarily closed near mile marker 179 by Emerson Avenue while crews worked along the roadway.
Authorities continue reviewing the accident. We extend our sincere condolences to Walker’s family and friends and hope the injured driver recovers fully.
Why Can Median Departures Cause Severe Injuries?
When a vehicle leaves the travel lanes and enters a median, it may encounter uneven ground, slopes, barriers, or other fixed objects. Sudden changes in direction can place strong force on the people inside.
A vehicle may also rotate, roll, or come to an abrupt stop after leaving the pavement. Occupants can be pushed against seat belts, doors, windows, seats, or the roof during that movement.
Travel speed, median design, vehicle position, restraint use, and the path after roadway departure can influence injury severity. Medical teams may check for head, chest, spinal, abdominal, and limb trauma because some serious damage may not be immediately visible.
