Justice pays tribute to Barbour County teenager killed in car crash

CHARLESTON, WV (WBOY) — Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) began his weekly online news conference with a tribute to Keaton McDermott, a student-athlete and graduate of Philip Barbour High School who was killed in a car crash near Valley Head in Randolph County on Sunday.

“For his whole family, I ask for your prayers. For his girlfriend, I ask for your prayers,” Justice said. “Certainly. (First Lady) Cathy (Justice) and I will be praying for this young man. I know we lose people all the time, but this happened to us and I wanted to acknowledge it. I hope we carry that forward to all the people who have tragic accidents and the people we lose. God bless this good man and all his loved ones.”

According to a news release from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Route 219 along the Seneca Trail between Valley Head and Huttonsville on June 23.

When officers arrived on scene, they found that three vehicles were involved, two of which had “significant front-end damage.” Firefighters on scene were able to free McDermott from the wreckage, but he did not survive.

The remaining people involved in the accident were taken to Davis Medical Center for further treatment.

Friends, family and community members held a candlelight vigil for McDermott Monday night at Philip Barbour High School football stadium.