Marvin James Smith Jr. Obituary, Death; Kanawha deputies identify man fatally injured in single-vehicle rollover crash.

Marvin James Smith Jr. Obituary, Death – Authorities in Kanawha County have identified the man who died in a single-vehicle rollover accident earlier this week. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim was 50-year-old Marvin James Smith Jr., a resident of Rand. Smith lost his life after the vehicle he was driving left the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned near a set of railroad tracks.

The crash occurred on a road in Glasgow, though officials have not released the exact time of the incident. According to the sheriff’s office, Smith was operating a Jeep at the time of the accident. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle collided with a utility pole, which likely contributed to the severity of the crash, before rolling over and coming to rest adjacent to nearby railroad tracks. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene quickly, but Smith was pronounced dead following the crash.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that the incident remains under investigation. The sheriff’s office has stated that investigators are reconstructing the crash to better understand the circumstances that led to the fatal rollover. This process includes examining the road conditions, vehicle trajectory, and other potential contributing factors such as weather, speed, or mechanical issues with the Jeep. The goal of the reconstruction is to provide a detailed account of the accident and determine whether any additional safety concerns or violations may have played a role.

Single-vehicle rollovers are among the more dangerous types of accidents, especially when vehicles leave the roadway and collide with fixed objects like utility poles. These crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities because the driver and passengers are exposed to the full force of the collision and have limited protection compared to multi-vehicle accidents. Safety experts frequently stress the importance of seat belt use, adherence to speed limits, and attentive driving to reduce the risk of rollover accidents.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has shared the information to alert the public to the risks associated with the roadway where the incident occurred. While no other vehicles were reported to be involved, the crash highlights how quickly situations can become fatal when a single vehicle loses control. Investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence from the scene, including tire marks, vehicle damage, and any witness accounts, to complete a thorough reconstruction.

Residents of Rand and the surrounding area have expressed condolences to the family and friends of Marvin James Smith Jr., who are grappling with the sudden and tragic loss. Fatal traffic accidents of this nature serve as stark reminders of the dangers present on local roadways and the need for careful driving practices at all times.

Officials plan to release additional information once the crash investigation and reconstruction are complete. In the meantime, the sheriff’s office continues to urge drivers to exercise caution, particularly on roads where prior accidents have occurred, to prevent future tragedies.