MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A teenager ran out into traffic and was struck by a tractor trailer on I-81 Wednesday night in Berkeley County.
The 15-year-old Martinsburg boy later died, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident closed two lanes of traffic for the better part of an hour at around 8 p.m.
Deputies said the boy was suicidal and attempting to jump out of his mother’s vehicle while she was driving. She pulled off the road to stop him, but he got out of the vehicle and ran onto the interstate where he was struck by a tractor trailer.
The sheriff’s office said the driver of the truck remained on scene as the investigation took place.
The teenager was transported to Berkeley Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
No charges are being sought against the driver of the tractor trailer.
Berkeley County Sheriff Rob Blair called it a tragic event.
“Our deputies handled this investigation with professionalism and compassion,” Blair said. “Our police officers unfortunately deal with events such as this all too often.”
Blair said his department will make efforts to ensure that they have the help needed to process what they witnessed.