The tight-knit Sissonville and Kanawha County community is reeling after the sudden death of 17-year-old Wylie Wilkinson, a Sissonville High School student, who was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Wednesday afternoon.
According to authorities, the crash took place around 4 p.m. on Rocky Fork Road, in the 7100 block — a rural, winding stretch between Sissonville and Cross Lanes. Deputies from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office say Wylie was driving alone when the vehicle drifted into the left lane; in an effort to correct, he oversteered. The car left the road, dropped into a ravine, rolled on its side, and collided with a tree. There were no other vehicles involved.
First responders were alerted quickly — both by a passerby who called 9-1-1 and via an Apple Crash Detection alert, which helped point them to the crash location. Emergency crews arrived fast, but tragically, Wylie was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has since officially confirmed the teen’s identity, offering deep condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Sissonville High School community. While the investigation is ongoing, deputies say there’s no indication that poor weather or road conditions played a role — though they note the stretch of Rocky Fork Road is notoriously narrow and curvy, especially dangerous for inexperienced drivers.
News of Wylie’s death has left the high school community heartbroken. While local outlets haven’t reported formal details on grief counseling so far, it’s clear that students, teachers, and administrators are grappling with profound loss. Though public tributes are still emerging, his friends and classmates have taken to social media expressing love, sorrow, and deep admiration — remembering Wylie as a kind, genuine soul who lit up any room he entered.
In response to the tragedy, the community has begun honoring Wylie’s memory in heartfelt ways. Purple — the color chosen to pay tribute to him — has started appearing on ribbons, clothing, and school lockers as a symbol of unity and mourning. Plans are even taking shape for a vigil and possibly a scholarship fund, aimed at keeping his spirit alive through acts of remembrance and goodwill.
For now, the sheriff’s office continues its investigation and is asking anyone with information to come forward. As the Sissonville community mourns, Wylie’s legacy — his warmth, friendship, and bright presence — lives on, reminding everyone how fragile life can be and how deeply one young person can impact so many.
Rest in peace, Wylie. You won’t be forgotten.
