PRINCETON, W.Va. — Mercer County Prosecutor Brian Cochran confirms criminal charges have been filed against a driver whose vehicle slammed head-on into a vehicle being driven by former state lawmaker Tony Whitlow last week, causing his death.
Whitlow, 92, died last Wednesday.
The driver was allegedly heading east in the westbound lanes of U.S. Route 460 when the collision occurred.
The driver’s name has not been released.
“I can confirm that an individual has been charged in connection with Mr. Whitlow’s death,” Cochran’s statement, first reported by WVVA-TV, said. “The legal process will now move forward, and the courts will determine the outcome. Please know that I have been in close contact with Mercer County law enforcement throughout this investigation, and I appreciate their professionalism and diligent work.”
Whitlow served seven terms in the House of Delegates beginning in 1970, followed by three terms in the state Senate. He chose not to seek reelection in 1996.