Morgan Co. man killed in single-car crash

October 10, 2006|by MATTHEW UMSTEAD

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. - A 37-year-old Great Cacapon, W.Va., man died early Monday when he wrecked the car he was driving to work on W.Va. 9, West Virginia State Police said.

Steven Allen Ward lost control of a 2006 Mazda 3 about 6 a.m. near Woodmont Road and a series of turns, Sgt. C.A. Mahood said.

The vehicle began to roll and then struck a tree, coming to rest about 30 to 40 feet off the south side of the road, Mahood said.

A preliminary investigation revealed that excessive speed was a factor in the accident, Mahood said.

Heavy fog probably didn't help, either, Mahood said. Ward was en route to his construction job in Berkeley County, Mahood said. He was wearing a seat belt and the airbag in the vehicle deployed, Mahood said.

Motorists on W.Va. 9 were diverted to Detour Road while the highway was shut down for about three hours, Great Cacapon Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Matt Grimley said.

The State Police were assisted by Morgan County Sheriff's Department, Morgan County Rescue Squad and Great Cacapon Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to his parents, Ward is survived by his wife, Dianne, and two sons, Steven and Nicholas, and stepsons, Corey and Kyle.

Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home in Berkeley Springs, W.Va., is handling arrangements. Interment will be private. A funeral liturgy will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Berkeley Springs.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers should be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church building fund, P.O. Box 634, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.

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