SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An elderly Kanawha County couple was killed on the way home from church Sunday night.
South Charleston Police Chief Brad Rinehart released the names of the victims Monday afternoon. Rinehart said Walter and Charlotte Means of 227 Pleasant Valley Road were attempting to cross U.S. Route 119, Corridor G, from Ruth Road to Willow Road when the accident occurred at around 7:30 p.m.
Investigators said Walter Means, 78, came to a complete stop in the middle of the four-lane highway and then attempted to cross when his vehicle was struck by a vehicle being driven by Phillip Frye, 37, of Danville, who was heading south.
Chief Rinehart said Frye had no time to stop.
“He told the officers he remembered a collision, that’s about it. They were on him so quick,” the chief said.
It was dark and raining at the time.
Frye and his son, Wyatt, 8, were injured and taken to CAMC for non-life-threatening injuries.
Walter and his wife Charlotte, 76, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Rinehart said it was a tragic accident.
“It’s sad. It’s an older couple and we got information they were coming from church and apparently heading home when this occurred. It’s a sad situation,” Rinehart said.