KANAWHA COUNTY, WV — The Sissonville community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Wylie Wilkinson, a beloved student at Sissonville High School, who tragically died on November 19, 2025.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office confirmed his identity following a fatal single-vehicle crash on Rocky Fork Road, leaving family, friends, and classmates devastated.
What Happened
The deadly accident occurred in the 7100 block of Rocky Fork Road as Wylie was traveling from Sissonville toward Cross Lanes. According to investigators, his vehicle drifted into the left lane, prompting a sudden overcorrection. The car then veered off the roadway, plunged into a ravine, and rolled onto its side before striking a tree.
Metro Communications received alerts from both a passing driver and an Apple crash notification, triggering an immediate emergency response. Despite the swift arrival of first responders, Wylie Wilkinson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are continuing to review all details surrounding the crash.
Who Was Wylie Wilkinson?
To those who knew him, Wylie Wilkinson was far more than the victim of a tragic accident. He was a joyful, generous, and spirited teenager whose presence brightened every room.
Friends describe Wylie as the kind of person who could make anyone feel seen and appreciated with nothing more than his smile. He carried a warmth that drew people in and left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Teachers at Sissonville High School remember him as respectful, diligent, and full of potential. Wylie had dreams beyond the classroom, and those close to him say he was already shaping a future filled with ambition and promise.
Legacy, Impact, and School Community Response
The halls of Sissonville High School are noticeably quieter following Wylie’s passing. Students and staff are coming together in shared grief, supporting one another with stories, tears, and memories of the bright young man they all loved.
Counselors have been made available as the school navigates the emotional aftermath of this unexpected tragedy. In the days and weeks to come, countless recollections of Wylie’s kindness, humor, and unforgettable spirit will continue to emerge — each one serving as a testament to the profound impact he made in just 17 years.
The loss of Wylie Wilkinson has deeply affected not only his classmates but the entire Sissonville and Cross Lanes communities, who are mourning a young life taken far too soon.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Tributes have begun pouring in across social media, with friends, relatives, and community members sharing photos, heartfelt messages, and memories of Wylie.
Posts filled with love and sorrow reflect the widespread grief felt throughout Kanawha County, as residents unite in honoring the teenager’s life and offering support to his devastated family.
Memorial gestures have also emerged locally — from students organizing small vigils to neighbors placing flowers and candles near the crash site.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to Wylie’s loved ones and acknowledged the depth of pain felt across the region. Their investigation into the accident remains ongoing as they gather further details.
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Wylie Wilkinson are expected to be shared soon, with the community preparing to come together to celebrate his life and support his family.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
