PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — The campus family at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is in a state of mourning. Faculty, staff, and students learned Wednesday evening of the tragic death of David Shutts, an admissions counselor at the school.
Shutts was driving his SUV on State Route 47 Wednesday when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Wood County School Bus. The accident happened about a half mile from the WVU-P campus.
Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies say there were 22 high school students on the bus at the time of the accident. One of those students was taken to the hospital to be checked out for injuries. The other students were taken to a nearby school and checked out by a school nurse. Shutts was dead at the scene.
WVU-Parkersburg President Chris Gilmer put out the following statement.
“I spoke with David’s wife Brittany this evening to express my personal sympathy and the deep sorrow of the entire college family. I admired David’s commitment and joy as a husband and father to his two children and his commitment to excellent service to our students. We have offered our support to the family and will be taking steps to comfort the many employees and students who loved him and feel his loss profoundly.”
An investigation continues into the accident and funeral arrangements are being finalized. Speaking with Metronews Gilmer called Shutts a beloved alumnus and employee.
“Our entire university is grieving with the Shutts family. He was a highly esteemed and much loved colleague here at the university, an admissions counselor who did a wonderful job bringing new students and their families into the university and making them feel welcome. Most important however, I would note about David he was a very strong family man. He was a very devoted father of two young children, husband, son and good friend. The loss really couldn’t hit the university any harder,” said Gilmer.
Flags at the WVU Parkersburg campus have been lowered to half staff in honor of Shutts. Gilmer said a more formal memorial for Shutts by the university will come after the funeral and the family has had time to process their grief.