PRINCE, Fayette County, W.Va., Oct. 30, 2026 — A Texas man died after losing control of a dirt bike on Wednesday night, October 28, on state Route 41 near Prince. His body was found on Thursday, October 29, along CSX railroad tracks near the Prince Railroad Station.
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office identified the man as Paul Alexander Kirkland, 35, of Caddo Mills, Texas. Deputies said Kirkland had been riding the dirt bike on Route 41 when he lost control in a curve, left the roadway, and struck a tree. He was thrown from the bike in the crash. The sheriff's office said he suffered fatal head and neck injuries.
Kirkland had reportedly been reported missing earlier in the week in neighboring Raleigh County. It was not immediately clear how long his body had been near the tracks before it was found. The authorities have not released further details on what led to the loss of control.
The crash remains under investigation by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in Prince, WV
This fatal crash happened on Route 41 in Prince, WV. We cover crashes across Fayette County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Fayette County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes like this most frequently happen?
Rural curves and two-lane highways account for a large share of fatal crashes, usually because of higher speeds and less time to react to a road that bends or narrows unexpectedly.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed, loss of control in a curve, and striking a fixed object such as a tree or pole all raise the chances that a crash will be deadly rather than survivable.
Why is speed so closely tied to whether someone survives a crash?
Higher speed means more force at the moment of impact and less time for a rider or driver to correct course, which is why even a small increase in speed can turn a survivable crash into a fatal one.
Do protective gear and helmets make a difference on a dirt bike?
Yes. Helmets and protective gear reduce the risk of fatal head and neck injuries in a crash, though they cannot eliminate the risk, especially in high-speed impacts with trees or other fixed objects.
