Princeton, WV (WOAY) – A man is in custody in relation to a crash resulting in the death of former West Virginia lawmaker, Tony Whitlow.
According to a criminal complaint, 35-year-old Chad Edward Noel, has been charged with DUI resulting in death following a head-on collision that occurred in Princeton, WV, on November 12, 2025.
Troopers at the scene of the accident could smell alcohol while speaking with Chad Edward Noel following the crash. According to court documents, Noel was reportedly slurring his words and had a blank stare.
While investigating the accident, troopers said they observed open airplane bottles of vodka in Noel’s vehicle, which were confiscated for evidence. An EMS worker also informed investigators that Noel told them he’d drank a “pint and a half,” according to the complaint.
Both Noel and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident were both taken to a local hospital. The other driver later identified as a former WV lawmaker Tony Whitlow was pronounced dead.
92-year-old Tony Whitlow served in the West Virginia House of Delegates and Senate for a combined 26 years before choosing not to seek reelection in 1996. He also served as an assessor in Mercer County.
Chad Edward Noel was arraigned by a magistrate in Mercer County on Monday December 8, 2025. He is being held at the Southern Regional Jail on a $250,000 cash only bond.
