BECKLEY, WV – A tragic accident on the West Virginia Turnpike claimed the life of 25-year-old Alexis Vega from Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday night. The fatal crash occurred near mile marker 87 on Interstate 77 at approximately 7:30 p.m., causing significant traffic disruptions.
Vega was traveling southbound when she lost control of her vehicle, which struck the concrete median barrier. The impact left the car obstructing both southbound lanes of the highway. In an attempt to address the situation, Vega exited her vehicle.
As she stood near her car, another motorist stopped to assist her in removing the vehicle from the roadway. During their efforts, a southbound tractor-trailer struck Vega and the assisting vehicle. Vega was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The accident prompted authorities to close both northbound and southbound lanes of I-77 near the crash site for several hours. Emergency responders worked to clear the scene, and traffic resumed later that evening.
The West Virginia State Police are leading the investigation into the incident. Officials are examining the circumstances that led to Vega’s loss of control and the subsequent collision involving the tractor-trailer.
This tragic event highlights the inherent risks of exiting a vehicle on active highways. Authorities emphasize the importance of remaining inside the vehicle if possible and waiting for emergency assistance to minimize exposure to oncoming traffic.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue gathering details to determine the contributing factors to this fatal crash. The community mourns the loss of Alexis Vega, and her family and friends are left grieving a life taken far too soon.