Woman dies in Coalfields Express way accident, criminal charges pending
SOPHIA, WV (WVNS) — One woman died after a two-car accident on the Coalfields Expressway in Raleigh County over the Easter weekend and criminal charges are pending.
According to a press release from the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office, deputies were alerted to an accident on WV Route 121- Coalfields Expressway in the Sophia area of Raleigh County. Once on scene, the first deputy on scene, Lt. James Williams found a 'catastrophic' crash between a Toyota Tacoma and a Chevy Tahoe.
The driver of the Chevy Tahoe, later identified as Baylea Bower, 24, of Bloomingrose, West Virginia was entrapped in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma, identified as Destany Lester, 18, of Fairdale, West Virginia was severely injured and asking for help.
Virginia Tech student dies in Raleigh County car accident
Lester was flown to the trauma center at CAMC General by Health-Net Aeromedical Services in critical condition.
Further investigation revealed that Lester was travelling south on WV 121 when she allegedly hit a guardrail before crossing both southbound lanes and the grassy median before hitting Bower head on while in the northbound lanes.
Investigators believe the speed and the driver impairment on behalf of Lester were contributing factors in the accident, according to the press release. Criminal charges are anticipated once the investigation is completed.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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