Tiara Pitts, Katelyn Berger Cause Of Death: Authorities identify victims in fatal crash.

Tiara Pitts, Katelyn Berger Cause Of Death – Early Sunday morning, a tragic car crash on Interstate 77 in Charleston resulted in the deaths of two local women, according to information released by the Charleston Police Department. The incident occurred just after 4:30 a.m. on May 11, when a vehicle traveling on I-77 south near the 64/77 split lost control and crashed, leading to a devastating scene and ongoing investigations.
Authorities have identified the victims as 29-year-old Tiara Pitts and 30-year-old Katelyn Berger, both residents of Charleston. Pitts was reportedly driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, while Berger was one of the passengers. Police confirmed that both women died at the scene from injuries sustained during the incident.
According to the police report, the vehicle veered off the interstate and struck a cement barrier. The impact caused the car to leave the highway entirely, plunging off the elevated roadway and landing on Pennsylvania Avenue below. Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash site, where they confirmed the fatalities and provided aid to additional passengers.
Two other individuals who were inside the vehicle survived the crash but sustained injuries. They were quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their current medical conditions have not been publicly released, but officials have stated that they remain hospitalized. The identities of these survivors have not been disclosed at this time.
In the aftermath of the crash, the Charleston Police Department’s crash investigation unit began examining the circumstances that led to the accident. Officers closed the affected section of the highway to collect evidence, take measurements, and reconstruct the scene in order to better understand how the crash occurred.
Although preliminary details suggest that the vehicle struck the cement barrier before careening off the road, investigators are working to determine what caused the driver to lose control. Factors such as speed, weather conditions, mechanical failure, or possible impairment have not yet been ruled out and are all under review as part of the ongoing investigation.
Charleston Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Officials hope that insights from the public or nearby surveillance footage might help clarify how the sequence of events unfolded in the early morning hours.
The deaths of Pitts and Berger have sent shockwaves through the local community. Friends and loved ones have expressed sorrow at the sudden loss, with tributes and condolences shared on social media. Both women were described as well-known and active in their communities, and news of their passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and support for their families.
In response to the tragic incident, authorities have renewed calls for motorists to exercise caution while driving—especially in the early morning hours when visibility may be low and road conditions can be more hazardous. Officials stressed the importance of seatbelt use and attentive driving in preventing similar incidents.
Charleston Police Chief Tyke Hunt issued a brief statement following the release of the victims’ names, offering condolences to the families affected by the crash. He emphasized the department’s commitment to thoroughly investigating the incident and providing support to those impacted.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of Tiara Pitts and Katelyn Berger during this incredibly difficult time,” Hunt said. “Our crash investigation unit is working diligently to determine the cause of this tragic event and ensure that every aspect is carefully examined.”
As the investigation continues, the Charleston Police Department has not indicated when additional information might be released. However, authorities reiterated that updates will be provided once more facts are established and the crash report is completed.
Community members have also called attention to the stretch of I-77 where the crash occurred. Some residents and local officials have raised concerns in the past about that particular area of the interstate, suggesting that it may be prone to accidents due to its design and limited visibility in certain conditions. The incident has reignited conversations about possible safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, support for the surviving passengers and the families of the victims continues to grow. Fundraisers and memorial events are reportedly being organized to help cover funeral expenses and provide assistance to those affected by the crash. Local organizations and counseling services have also offered grief support for those mourning the loss of Pitts and Berger.
This fatal crash serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety. The community now awaits the findings of the investigation, hoping that answers will bring clarity and help prevent similar incidents in the future.