MOOREFIELD, W.Va. — A well-known community leader in the eastern panhandle is dead after police say she was struck and killed during the Labor Day holiday in Hardy County.
According to Moorefield Police Chief Stephen Riggleman, Genevieve Eaton, 66, of Harpers Ferry, was struck by a vehicle as she was riding a bicycle southbound on U.S. Route 220 near the Hester Bridge. The driver, identified as Adam Colasessano, 40, of Moorefield, fled the scene and crashed into a house on the other end of the bridge.
According to police, he left the scene of that crash as well and fled south. State Police spotted his vehicle and pulled him over near the Gap Bridge on Route 220 and took him into custody.
Colasessano is lodged in the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail. He’s charged with DUI causing death and hit and run causing death. Chief Riggleman said additional charges are pending.
Eaton, known to friends as “Jenny” was a well-known leader in her community. She was very active with the organization WV Birth to Three which aids families of children with special needs. She was also a 4-H leader, library volunteer, substitute teacher, and often raised money for non-profit organizations.