On Wednesday afternoon, November 12, 2025, the quiet hillside town of Delbarton, West Virginia, was rocked by tragic news: longtime resident and motorcycle enthusiast Jacob Ray lost his life in a devastating collision along State Route 65 in the Lenore area of Mingo County. The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. in front of Lenore Memorial Gardens near mile-post 18.7, according to the West Virginia Division of Highways. Emergency crews arrived swiftly after receiving reports of a serious motorcycle accident, but despite their efforts, Jacob was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two-lane road was closed in both directions for several hours as investigators combed the scene for clues about what led to the tragedy. By late evening, the roadway reopened, but the shock the community felt was far from over. Officials have not yet released additional details while the investigation remains ongoing, leaving many questions unanswered.
Jacob’s family, friends, and neighbors in Delbarton remember him as a warm-hearted soul whose presence lit up any room. He was described as genuine, hardworking, and endlessly supportive. His love for motorcycles—and the freedom they represented—was well known; he was happiest when the engine roared and the wind rushed past on an open stretch of road.
One friend reflected: “Jacob was the kind of person everyone loved to be around. He had a good heart, a great sense of humor, and a passion for life that was contagious. His loss has left a huge hole in this community.” It wasn’t just his outgoing personality that endeared him to people—he was someone you could count on when times got tough. He never hesitated to lend a hand, tell a joke, or ride shotgun on an impromptu motor-outing.
As word of the crash spread through Delbarton and beyond, local residents began rallying together. Flowers, pictures and memories are being placed at spontaneous roadside memorials near the crash site. Stories of Jacob’s adventures on two-wheels echo in local cafés, at the garage where he tinkered with his bike, and at the church where he volunteered weekly.
While the investigation into the exact chain of events on State Route 65 continues, one point remains clear: the life taken was full of meaningful moments, shared laughter, and generous deeds. For those who loved him, Jacob’s legacy is not defined by the accident—but by the joy he brought, the rides he took, and the way he lifted others up.
In the coming days, Delbarton will surely gather to remember Jacob together: to reminisce, to support one another, and to celebrate a life cut far too short. In the face of sorrow, the community stands as one—and in that unity, Jacob’s spirit rides on.
