Driver Identified in Fatal Crash Near Glasgow, Kanawha County
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. — Authorities have identified the driver killed in a tragic crash near Glasgow on Tuesday as 50-year-old Marvin James Smith Jr., of Rand, West Virginia.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal accident occurred when the Jeep Grand Cherokee Smith was operating veered off the roadway while negotiating a left-hand curve. The vehicle left the pavement, struck a utility pole, and overturned beside the railroad tracks.
Emergency responders were dispatched quickly to the scene, but despite their efforts, Smith did not survive the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other passengers or vehicles were reported to be involved.
The Crash Reconstruction Unit of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident to determine what factors may have contributed to the deadly collision. Investigators will examine whether speed, impairment, mechanical failure, or roadway conditions played a role.
This accident has deeply shaken the Rand and Glasgow communities, where many knew Smith personally. Family, friends, and neighbors are mourning his loss, remembering him as a lifelong resident whose life ended far too soon.
The site of the crash, near a railroad track and utility infrastructure, posed challenges for rescue crews as they worked late into the night to secure the area and ensure safety. Power services in the immediate vicinity were temporarily affected due to the utility pole strike but have since been restored.
Sheriff’s deputies are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who was traveling through the area around the time of the incident to contact their office with any additional information that might assist in the investigation.
This marks yet another fatal crash in Kanawha County in 2025, adding to growing concerns about roadway safety in the region. Authorities continue to stress the importance of cautious driving, particularly on winding rural roads where conditions can change quickly.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Marvin James Smith Jr., a 50-year-old man whose life was tragically cut short. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
