GHENT, W.Va. — A man identifying himself as the father of the driver allegedly responsible for a deadly wrong-way crash on the West Virginia Turnpike posted a social media message seeking prayers for the victims.
State police plan to charge Cory Sheward, 35, of Tiffin, Ohio, with four counts of DUI causing death and four counts of DUI causing serious bodily injury.
A Facebook post from Vernon Sheward appeared Wednesday afternoon:
“There is nothing I can say or do that will reverse the actions of what happened with my son Cory, and the family of the car that he hit. I love my son regardless of what has happened, and that will never change. However, I do not condone, or will in anyway try to justify what has happened. I do not know why he did what he did and it was selfish and foolish, and now he has to live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life.
To the family of the four that were lost in the other vehicle, and the others that were injured: In no way can I say that I understand your pain, because I’ve never been in your situation. The amount of pain, anger, and disbelief you are going through right now is not something I can even begin to comprehend, nor can anyone in my family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of grieving.
In a time as such as this I’m reminded of some verses in Philippians 4: “Be anxious for nothing, but in EVERY situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests know to the Lord. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Situations like these go beyond anything I can fathom, so I look to the One who is control of everything, and can comprehend everything. Please keep everyone effected by this terrible tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”
Troopers believe Cory Sheward was drunk when he crossed the median on Interstate 77 early Monday morning and continued heading south in the northbound lanes. A few miles later his pickup truck collided with an SUV, killing four of the eight people in the vehicle.
The victims—Maxine Wade, 27, Carlisa Crowell, 29, Tahja Freeman, 9, and Aubrey Willoughby, 6, all from Grove City, Ohio—were part of a group returning from a Disney World vacation. Four others in the vehicle remain hospitalized.
Sheward remains hospitalized in ICU with several broken bones.