Raleigh County man dies in fatal car accident

Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – A Raleigh County man died in a Fayette County car accident.

Fayette County Sheriff Jess McMullen tells WOAY that around 7:30 a.m. on March 12, 2025, 55-year-old Andrew Appel III of Beckley died in a two-car accident on WV Route 61 in the Mount Carbon area of Fayette County, WV. 

According to deputies investigating the accident, it was determined that a single vehicle had veered into oncoming traffic, striking another vehicle head-on. Both drivers were injured in the crash. The driver of one vehicle was transported to Montgomery General Hospital for minor injuries. Mr. Appel was the driver of the other vehicle, where he suffered life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Charleston Area Medical Center. Deputies were notified later that he died. 

The direct cause of the accident is unknown at this time. It is believed at this time the driver may have experienced a medical emergency. 

This accident remains under investigation by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.