Remembering Doug Skaff Jr.: New Details Emerge in Deadly Crash

UPDATE 6/11/25 @ 5:30 p.m.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - More details have been released about a deadly crash that claimed a former West Virginia Delegate’s life on Tuesday.

West Virginia State Police said Doug Skaff Jr., 48, of South Charleston, died at the scene of the crash on Interstate 79 between Jane Lew and Weston. That is in Lewis County.

Troopers said the crash was reported around 4 p.m. Tuesday near the 101-mile marker in the southbound lanes.

Investigators said it appeared the Nissan SUV that Skaff was driving rear-ended a tractor-trailer as it was headed up a hill. They said Skaff braked hard and attempted to swerve, resulting in heavy damage to the driver’s side of the SUV.

Troopers told WSAZ that Skaff was alive when first responders arrived, received medical attention and passed away in an ambulance at the scene.

State leaders throughout West Virginia, including Gov. Patrick Morrisey, spoke out about the loss of Skaff, who was described as a loving husband and father of three young sons.

Other elected officials and friends of Skaff’s have been expressing their condolences since learning of his death following Tuesday’s crash.

“It’s devastating,” Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said. “There’s no other word for it. My mom always used to say when you meet someone and connect with them and they inspire you, take that with you, and Doug gave that to so many people. He was jovial. He was always pleasant.”

Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango had known Skaff more than two decades and attended one of his first political events in Charleston.

“Everything he did, he did with incredible energy and passion,” Salango said. “We’re not going to be able to replace this void. He’s going to be terribly missed.”

Barboursville Mayor Chris Tatum was friends with Skaff, as well.

“Doug was one of those guys everyone just likes because he was a likeable guy and a friendly guy,” Tatum said. “He was genuine.”

“It’s going to be a hard time going for a really long period of time,” Goodwin said, “but I think the best thing we can do is look forward to the things he wanted to do and continue his vision.”

“All I can think about is his family right now,” Salango said, “his three beautiful boys, his wife and parents. It’s a great family. We’re all just praying for them during this terrible, terrible time.”

ORIGINAL STORY 6/10/25

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A former West Virginia Delegate has died following a crash that happened Tuesday, according to the Kanawha County Commission.

Officials with the commission said Doug Skaff Jr. was a longtime lawmaker who was dedicated to the betterment of West Virginia. They said he was a loving husband and father of three young sons.

“I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of our friend Doug Skaff,” West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in a release. “Doug was a longtime state legislator, the Minority Leader of the West Virginia House of Delegates, and omnipresent in the Charleston community. He will be greatly missed by many. Please keep Doug’s family and loved ones in your prayers as they grieve this tragic loss.”

“I’ve known Doug for nearly 25 years, and I am absolutely devastated, Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango said. ”Tera and I are praying for his wonderful family and friends.”

Fellow Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler said, “My heart goes out to the Skaff family during this incredibly difficult time. Doug Skaff was more than just an elected official. He was a true champion for his community, a family first man, and a friend. My family and I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his loved ones.”

Kanawha County Commissioner Natalie Tennant said, “I am devasted and am heartbroken for his family. Our county and state have lost a true public servant who loved his family, his friends, and his church. Doug was always looking for ways to lift the community, including very recently helping to revitalize the historic Fazio’s Family Restaurant. Doug’s vision and passion will be missed.”

State Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, released the following statement:

“I was shocked to hear the terrible news of the loss of Doug Skaff this evening. I had the honor of serving with Doug in the House of Delegates and while we may have been on opposite sides of the aisle — and often on opposite sides of an issue — he always treated me with kindness and respect and with the spirit of wanting to find the best solution for West Virginia. He was a hard worker, a good friend, and an amazing father to his three sons. We will all be keeping his family in our prayers while they deal with this unthinkable tragedy.”

Other local leaders shared their condolences after hearing about Skaff’s passing, including Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin.

“I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of former WV Delegate Doug Skaff,” Goodwin said. “He was an outstanding public servant, and businessman, but most important he was a wonderful husband, father, and son. My prayers are with his wife, their three beautiful boys and his entire family during this difficult time. The City of Charleston, Kanawha County, and the State of West Virginia have lost a true champion for her people.”

Officials said the Kanawha County Courthouse will lower all flags on the county property to half-staff in his honor. County commissioners said they send their condolences and prayers to Skaff’s family and friends.

Details about the crash are unavailable now.

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