Nicholas County, WV — January 24, 2025, Haley Short was killed in a truck accident at the intersection of U.S. Route 19 and State Route 129.

Authorities said a semi-truck and two other vehicles were involved in a crash near Mt. Nebo.

Haley Short, 22, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities. It is not clear at this point how she was injured.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash or the vehicles involved in it.

The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes involving multiple vehicles, including a semi-truck, often present a complicated puzzle for investigators trying to determine how the collision occurred and what factors contributed to it. With limited details currently available about this crash near Mt. Nebo, there are key questions that need to be explored to uncover the full story.

One of the most important aspects of the investigation will be determining how the vehicles became involved in the collision. Did one driver fail to yield, make an improper turn or lose control? Was the semi-truck stopped, traveling at speed or attempting to maneuver through the intersection? Gathering evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage and vehicle damage patterns will be critical to piecing together the sequence of events.

Another significant factor is the design and condition of the intersection itself. Intersections where a major highway like U.S. Route 19 meets a smaller state route often see heavy traffic and complex movement patterns. Were traffic signals or stop signs present, and if so, were they functioning properly? Was the intersection adequately lit, and were sightlines clear? Issues like these can influence driver behavior and create risks if not properly managed.

Road and weather conditions at the time of the crash also need to be evaluated. Was the roadway slick, or was visibility reduced due to weather or lighting conditions? Factors like these can significantly affect a driver’s ability to stop or maneuver in time to avoid a collision, particularly for large vehicles like semi-trucks that require more distance to brake.

The actions of each driver involved, including their speed, attentiveness and compliance with traffic laws, are another key area of focus. Investigators will need to consider whether any of the drivers were distracted, fatigued or impaired. Cell phone records, toxicology reports, and onboard data from the semi-truck’s engine control module (ECM) can help answer these questions.

Finally, understanding how safety systems in the vehicles performed may provide additional insight. Were all occupants wearing seatbelts? Did airbags deploy as expected? For the semi-truck, was it equipped with collision-avoidance technology, and did it function properly? These details can offer clues about whether the severity of the crash might have been mitigated.

At this stage, there’s much we don’t know about the factors that led to this crash. A thorough investigation is essential to determine how the collision occurred, what contributed to it and who is accountable for a woman's death.