Jack Walter Obituary, Death – Authorities in West Virginia have released the identity of a man from North Carolina who lost his life in a tragic roadway incident on the West Virginia Turnpike last week. According to the West Virginia State Police (WVSP), the victim has been identified as 63-year-old Jack Walter of Middlesex, North Carolina.
Investigators say the incident occurred when Walter’s vehicle became disabled along the highway. While he was outside checking on the situation, he was struck by a vehicle that did not stop. Troopers believe the vehicle involved may have been a white tractor-trailer, though the exact make and model have not yet been confirmed.
The event took place near the 63-mile marker of the West Virginia Turnpike, just north of Westerly in Fayette County. Emergency responders were called to the scene shortly after the collision was reported. Despite their quick arrival, Walter sadly did not survive his injuries.
State police immediately launched an investigation, calling in members of the Crash Reconstruction Unit to assist. They spent several hours at the site, collecting evidence and reviewing roadway markings in hopes of identifying the vehicle responsible. The Turnpike was temporarily closed during the investigation, leading to significant traffic delays in both directions as troopers worked to document the scene and remove debris safely.
Authorities say they are continuing their search for the tractor-trailer believed to have been involved. Investigators are reviewing traffic and toll plaza camera footage along the Turnpike and nearby routes to locate the vehicle. They are also asking anyone who may have been traveling through the area between mile markers 60 and 65 around the time of the incident to come forward if they witnessed anything unusual or have dash camera recordings that could help the investigation.
In a statement released over the weekend, WVSP emphasized their commitment to finding the driver and understanding what happened. “Our investigators are working diligently to identify the vehicle involved and determine the circumstances leading to this tragic loss,” the statement said.
The West Virginia Turnpike, a heavily traveled route that connects several major cities in the region, has seen occasional accidents involving large commercial vehicles. Because of the high volume of truck traffic, officials often rely on camera systems, eyewitness accounts, and forensic analysis to reconstruct events when a vehicle leaves the scene of a collision.
Local residents and motorists who frequently use the Turnpike expressed sadness upon hearing of the incident. Some noted that the stretch near Westerly can be challenging, especially for vehicles that become disabled on the shoulder where space is limited. “That’s a tough area for anyone to pull over,” one driver told local media. “It’s busy, and there’s not much room between the road and the guardrail.”
Law enforcement officials continue to remind motorists to exercise extreme caution when encountering disabled vehicles or roadside emergencies. They encourage drivers to move over when possible, reduce speed, and remain alert, particularly on high-speed highways like the Turnpike.
Troopers also urged commercial vehicle operators to be vigilant and report any involvement in unusual roadway incidents immediately, emphasizing that cooperation is crucial for a fair and thorough investigation.
The West Virginia State Police have extended condolences to the family and friends of Jack Walter, describing the situation as deeply unfortunate. “Our hearts go out to those affected by this loss,” said one official. “We are doing everything we can to provide answers and bring closure to the family.”
As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the search for the white tractor-trailer continues. Authorities are hopeful that new leads will emerge as they analyze surveillance footage and speak with potential witnesses.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Beckley detachment of the West Virginia State Police. The investigation remains active, and updates will be shared with the public as more details become available.
