Stephen Green Killed, Two Others Injured in Tragic I-64 Construction Zone Crash Near Culloden, Cabell County, West Virginia

CABELL COUNTY, WV — MAY 25, 2025 —
A tragic and heartbreaking incident on Interstate 64 in Cabell County, West Virginia, claimed the life of 20-year-old Stephen Green of Ashland, Kentucky, and left two other individuals hospitalized in what authorities are calling a stark reminder of the perils of highway travel, particularly within active construction zones. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, just before 4:00 a.m., near the 31-mile marker eastbound — a stretch of roadway already known for its narrow passageways and lack of shoulder due to ongoing construction activities near the Culloden area.

A Morning of Tragedy

What began as a typical early morning journey turned into a scene of devastation and loss. According to the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, Stephen Green was traveling eastbound on Interstate 64 when his vehicle suddenly suffered a flat tire. The incident occurred within a marked construction zone where, unfortunately, no shoulder or emergency stopping area was available due to temporary lane closures and ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Sheriff Doug Adams explained that Green was forced to bring his vehicle to a halt directly in an active travel lane, a circumstance that drastically increased the risk of secondary collisions. In an attempt to minimize danger and alert approaching drivers, Green immediately activated his vehicle’s hazard lights — a responsible move under the harrowing circumstances. However, visibility and reaction time would prove tragically insufficient.

The Collision

As traffic continued to move through the restricted construction corridor, a second vehicle — details of which are still under investigation — approached the stopped vehicle occupied by Green. Despite the hazard lights and other potential visual cues, the oncoming vehicle collided with Green’s disabled car at full speed. The impact was severe and catastrophic. Authorities believe that the nature of the work zone — limited lighting, narrow lanes, and reduced speed limits — may have contributed to the inability of the second driver to stop in time or effectively navigate around the stranded vehicle.

The violent collision resulted in fatal injuries to Stephen Green, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals involved in the crash, whose names have not been publicly released pending notification of family members, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment. Their conditions, while stable at the time of the last report, remain critical and are being closely monitored by medical staff.

Emergency Response and Investigation

First responders, including members of the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, local EMS teams, and the West Virginia Department of Highways, quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and provide aid to the victims. Emergency medical technicians worked tirelessly to stabilize the injured while law enforcement began a preliminary investigation into the events leading up to the crash.

Traffic along I-64 East was immediately halted and rerouted for several hours as investigators conducted scene analysis, documented roadway conditions, and ensured debris was cleared to prevent further incidents. A detailed reconstruction of the crash is currently underway to determine whether additional factors such as speed, impaired driving, or mechanical failure may have played a role.

Sheriff Adams, in a press conference later that day, emphasized the tragedy of the situation, stating, “This is the kind of event that shakes entire communities. Stephen Green was doing everything right under the circumstances. The conditions of our roadways, particularly in construction zones, must be taken seriously by every driver. This young man’s life was lost not because of recklessness, but because of a perfect storm of unfortunate circumstances.”

Victim Profile: Stephen Green

Stephen Green, 20, of Ashland, Kentucky, was described by family and friends as a bright, compassionate young man with a promising future ahead of him. A recent graduate of Boyd County High School, Green was working as an apprentice electrician and had plans to enroll in a regional technical college in the fall. Known for his sense of humor, strong work ethic, and love for his community, Green’s untimely passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Social media platforms have since been flooded with tributes, condolences, and shared memories. One post from a high school friend read, “Stephen always went out of his way to help others. He had a light in him that could brighten any room. It’s devastating that his journey ended this way.” Local organizations are planning a candlelight vigil in his honor later this week.

Construction Zones and Road Safety

This incident brings renewed attention to the dangers associated with construction zones on America’s highways. The stretch of I-64 where this accident occurred has been under reconstruction for several months as part of a long-term infrastructure improvement initiative spearheaded by the West Virginia Department of Transportation. While safety measures such as reduced speed limits, increased signage, and traffic cones are in place, the inherent limitations of space — including the lack of emergency shoulders — present serious hazards when unforeseen vehicle issues arise.

Experts note that disabled vehicles in these areas pose significant risks not only to occupants but to other motorists and workers alike. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), work zone crashes resulted in over 800 fatalities nationwide in 2023, with a significant portion involving stationary or disabled vehicles.

Community Reaction

The community response to this tragedy has been one of sorrow and unity. Local leaders in Ashland, Kentucky, and Cabell County, West Virginia, have issued statements mourning the loss of Stephen Green and expressing concern for the injured. “Our hearts go out to the family of this young man,” said Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins. “This is an unbearable loss for our community. We must work together to advocate for safer construction practices and greater protections for drivers.”

Several local churches have opened their doors for prayer and support gatherings, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Green’s family to help with funeral expenses and medical bills for the other victims. Within hours, donations poured in from community members, local businesses, and even strangers moved by the story.

Legislative and Policy Implications

In light of this incident, transportation advocates and lawmakers are expected to revisit existing policies surrounding highway construction safety protocols. Questions are already being raised about whether sufficient signage, lighting, and alternate stopping mechanisms were available in the affected stretch of I-64. There are calls to implement more robust temporary safety features, such as portable emergency pull-offs and enhanced enforcement of reduced speed zones.

State Senator Karen Young (D-WV), whose district includes parts of Cabell County, issued a statement calling for an immediate review of safety protocols on active roadwork corridors. “Every life lost is a preventable tragedy if we aren’t doing everything in our power to make these zones safer. Stephen Green’s death cannot be in vain.”

A Life Cut Short

The pain of Stephen Green’s death is felt well beyond the crash site. His aspirations, relationships, and contributions to his community serve as a stark contrast to the senselessness of the tragedy that claimed him. As the investigation continues and the community processes its grief, there is a growing resolve among friends, family, and public officials to honor his life through meaningful change.

The accident on I-64 is a solemn reminder that infrastructure improvements, while necessary, must be implemented with maximum safety considerations for all users of the roadway. No construction schedule, no matter how urgent, is worth the loss of a life.

As we remember Stephen Green and pray for the recovery of the others injured, may this heartbreaking event spur deeper awareness, greater responsibility, and more stringent safety practices on highways throughout the country.

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