CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A quiet Wednesday morning turned into unspeakable heartbreak for a Charleston family after a single-vehicle crash claimed the lives of a longtime husband and wife near the serene hills of Kanawha State Forest.
Tracey Cornell, 55, and her husband Matthew Cornell, 56, were driving along the winding roads of Kanawha State Forest Drive around 9:30 a.m. when their pickup truck suddenly veered off the roadway. The truck struck a massive tree, flipped violently, and landed upside down in the rocky bed of Davis Creek. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the injuries were too severe. Both Tracey and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple, known for their kindness and community involvement in Charleston, leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth. Tracey was a beloved schoolteacher who dedicated her life to shaping young minds, while Matthew worked as a mechanic, keeping vehicles running smoothly for his neighbors. Friends described them as inseparable, always seen together at local events or enjoying quiet evenings at home.
Sheriff’s deputies confirmed no other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no additional injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing, with crash reconstruction teams examining factors like road conditions, speed, and driver input. Authorities have not yet determined why the truck left the roadway.
In a statement released Friday, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department extended heartfelt condolences to the Cornell family and urged all drivers and passengers to buckle up. “Seatbelts save lives,” officials emphasized, noting that proper restraint could have made a difference in this tragic incident.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the Charleston community, where the Cornells were well-loved. Neighbors and friends have gathered to share memories and offer support to the grieving family. As the investigation continues, the community holds onto the hope that answers will bring some closure to this devastating loss.
Authorities say further details will be released if the investigation uncovers additional contributing factors in the crash.
