Doug Skaff Jr. Dies in Tragic Car Accident Near Jane Lew, WV
To help family. Even 2$ help.Charleston, WV – June 11, 2025 — Doug Skaff Jr., a well-known West Virginia businessman, media executive, and former state lawmaker, has passed away following a fatal car accident near the Jane Lew exit on Interstate 79. He was 48 years old.
Skaff, a respected figure across the state, was widely recognized for his leadership as president of HD Media, the parent company of the Charleston Gazette-Mail, The Herald-Dispatch, and several other newspapers. Most recently, he had become the new owner of Charleston’s iconic Fazio’s restaurant.
Authorities have confirmed his death in the crash, which occurred earlier today. However, further details—including the cause of the accident and whether other parties were involved—have not yet been released.
A Legacy of Public Service and Business Leadership
Born and raised in South Charleston, Skaff was a graduate of West Virginia University and dedicated much of his career to public service. He served multiple terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates, including a tenure as House Minority Leader. In 2023, he resigned from the legislature and later switched political parties. The following year, he ran for West Virginia Secretary of State as a Republican, ultimately finishing second to Kris Warner.
During that campaign, Skaff made headlines when he was bitten three times by two copperhead snakes while removing campaign signs near U.S. 119 in Danville. He was hospitalized at CAMC General but made a full recovery and returned to public life.
Impact on Media, Business, and the Community
Beyond politics, Skaff played a pivotal role in West Virginia’s media landscape. In 2020, he was appointed president of HD Media, overseeing business operations, advertising, and marketing across the company’s regional news outlets.
His entrepreneurial drive extended beyond journalism. As co-owner of HD Media, he also recently acquired Fazio’s, a beloved Italian restaurant in Charleston, where he worked to preserve its legacy while revitalizing it for a new generation.
Honoring Doug Skaff’s Memory
Friends, colleagues, and community members remember Skaff as an energetic and approachable leader, deeply committed to public service, journalism, and local business. His contributions to West Virginia’s civic and media communities leave a lasting impact.
He is survived by his family, friends, and a broad network of supporters who are mourning this sudden and tragic loss.
Memorial service details will be announced by the family in the coming days.
Anyone with information regarding the accident is encouraged to contact local authorities.