WAVERLY, W.Va. — State police believe an Ohio man survived an initial accident on Route 2 in Pleasants County late Wednesday night only to be killed by a hit-and-run driver a few minutes later.
Troopers investigating the accident said 39-year-old Ben Gabriel drove his vehicle off the highway between Oak Grove Road and Cass Creek Road, where it went over a 50-foot embankment and hit a tree. They say the Athens, Ohio, man climbed out of the vehicle before it caught fire.
Troopers then believe he began walking south on Route 2 and about a quarter-mile from the initial accident scene he was struck and killed by a motorist.
Investigators are seeking the public’s help. Anyone with information is asked to call the St. Marys detachment at 304-684-7101.