UPDATE: Woman Killed in Interstate 77 Crash, Name Released
UPDATE: Woman Killed in Interstate 77 Crash, Name Released Save Email Print
Posted: 11:47 AM Dec 4, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:57 PM Dec 4, 2008
 Reporter: Courtney Sisk
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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UPDATE @ 3:17pm
The Kanawha County Sheriff's Department says a 23-year-old woman from Ripley died in an accident on Interstate 77 in Sissonville Thursday morning.

According to a news release, investigators believe Autumn Meadows' pickup truck traveled off the right side of the road, hit the embankment, and then flipped over. She was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Deputies believe slick roads might have contributed to the crash. No other vehicles were involved.

Interstate 77 was closed for about an hour-and-a-half, but it's now back open.

If you have a picture of Autumn that you'd like to share with us, please e-mail it to pix@wsaz.com


ORIGINAL STORY
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Emergency crews are on the scene of a fatal accident in the southbound lanes of Interstate 77 in Sissonville.

It happened at about 11:40 a.m. Thursday at the 106 mile marker near the Edens Fork exit.

Dispatchers tell WSAZ.com that a pickup truck flipped on its side. They believe one person who was trapped in the truck was killed.

Deputies say the driver was a woman. No one else was in the truck, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The south bound lanes were shut down for about an hour-and-a-half, but they are now back open.

We have a crew on the scene. Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for more information.

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Posted by: Shelly on Dec 10, 2008 at 01:48 PM
I was very sad to hear about the accident. She was a very giving happy person. I worked with a family member of hers a few years ago, I needed a dress for my high school prom and she gladly gave me her dress, and all the jewlery needed. She was a very thoughtful person. I will keep her family in my prayers.
Posted by: Valerie Conley on Dec 7, 2008 at 05:32 PM
I hate to hear about the this. I am praying for you guys.
Posted by: The Browns on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Our hearts go out to David and Theresa, Whitney, Brittney, Joe, and Landen. We have known this family for years and they are a precious family. Autumn was a beautiful young lady. Always know we are here and our prayers will continue for your family through out the days to come. The Browns, Bill, RHonda, Ashley and Evan
Posted by: Mary on Dec 5, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Teresa, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for the family. Billy's cousin, Mary Lou
Posted by: Twiggy on Dec 5, 2008 at 03:50 PM
My heart goes out to David and Tresa. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Always remember that the Lord our God says in His word that He will not leave us nor forsake us. Steve, me and the entire Fortune Family will be praying you and your family. We love you and are always here if you should need us. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding and He shall direct our paths. Prov 3:5 We love you.
Posted by: Carol on Dec 5, 2008 at 03:50 PM
I am so deeply saddened by this! Autumn and I were in nursing school together and she was a beautiful, sweet caring individual! She will be missed terribly!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 5, 2008 at 02:33 PM
My mom worked with Autumn and always talked about how nice and sweet she was. My prayers go out to her family, this is such an awful tradgedy and
Posted by: just me on Dec 5, 2008 at 01:43 PM
you know what that is so sad. all my prayers are with her family on this awful occasion
Posted by: Poe on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Seatbelts are in automobiles for a good reason. This should be evidence of that.
Posted by: MAGGIE on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:20 PM
What an awful thing for that beautiful lady to have had to of gone through. I pray for her and her family. May they make it through the holidays okay. What an awful thing.
Posted by: With Deepest Sympathy, akw on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Dear Armentrout and Meadows family, my words will not take away the emptiness in your hearts and souls but I would like to share that Autumn was a very special peron who left a smile and kindness for every person who crossed her path. She spoke often of her love for Joe, Landen and her family. My life is better for knowing her. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort in times of need and strength in times of weakness.
Posted by: Tiffany on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:10 PM
I no that Autumn was a realy good mommy and wife and sister but stuff happeansfor a reason so their is a reason that Autumn left this earth but we no she left so happy just no she is in a better place love and prayers
Posted by: nicole on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:07 PM
People dont worry god had her to die for a reason shes in a better place caz i know shes not in hell!
Posted by: tiffany on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:56 AM
pray for her family
Posted by: Angie on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I am terribly sorry for your loss. Autumn was a beautiful person. She always had the ability to light up the room when she entered. She was such a sweet and kind hearted woman. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this tragic situation. May the Lord comfort and bless you all.
Posted by: MS on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Autumn and I graduated together. Like many have said, she was a wonderful person and will be missed so much. Our class was soo close and we are all affected in some way by this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Posted by: Dwana Woody on Dec 5, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I know Joe, the grandfather and her family. I just wanted to offer my depest condolenses to the family, I am so sorry for this tragic loss and my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Posted by: Jayme on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I'm sorry to hear something like this my brother loved her so much then something like this happens. Joe and her Family and can't forget baby Landon in my prayers!
Posted by: Kellie on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Autumn was a true example to what a young women should be on the inside and out. My heart is broken. God be with Joe and Landon and the rest of her family. I will miss her dearly. Kellie Hunt
Posted by: Mark & Laura Samples on Dec 5, 2008 at 10:07 AM
How tragic and unfortunate, please let us know if there's anything that we can do ? Each of You will be in our thoughts and prayers !
Posted by: MeAgain on Dec 5, 2008 at 09:27 AM
How awful..especialy this time of year. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young woman. People please be careful out there...slow down, wear seat belts, hug you loved ones...life is so fragile....handle it with care!
Posted by: The Baldwin's on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:59 AM
This is devastating news to hear. My heart is broken at the loss of Autumn. My son started kindergarten with her and they graduated together. My most vivid memory of her is their Kindergarten Christmas program where Autumn portrayed an Angel and my sitting in the audience thinking that that was the perfert roll for her as she looked so angelic and had an aura about her. She was always a vibrant young lady with much life to live. The prayers of our entire family are with Joe, Landen, Teresa, David, Brittany, Whitney, the Meadows and Armentrout Family at this time of horrific loss. On a day that should have been a joyous occassion for this family in celebrating the birth of a new baby boy and tragedy striking and taking away a most beloved young lady, our love and prayers go out to each of you. The Baldwin Family Eugene, Belinda, Brittany, Jared, and Brenna
Posted by: To JOANN on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:36 AM
To JoAnn Meadows: I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know your daughter in law but from the comments here I can see that she was loved. I do not know how old her baby boy is, but please keep his mother's memory alive. Show him pictures and talk to him about her daily. He might not understand now, but he will eventually. It is so hard around the holidays....I lost my sister around this time and she had young children. I know what your family has ahead of you and it will not be easy, but you will make it. God bless you and everyone in her family.
Posted by: Melissa on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:28 AM
I am so sorry to hear about this terrible accident, Words can't begin to express how heart broken we are for the family, You are all very sweet and it has been an honour to have known you, I pray that God will comfort your hearts through this trying time. Love and Prayers Melissa and (Dad) David...
Posted by: Lindsey Cook on Dec 5, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Im so sorry for these horrible loss for both sides of the family.Autumn has a cousin with my sister in law and the family...My heart goes out with the family and my sister in law as well..She was a great person and had a great heart...I just hate that this happened right around the hoildays...
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 5, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Im so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all. May God comfort you in this time of such sorrow.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 5, 2008 at 04:04 AM
I met Autumn when she was still in middle school,she was a very unique person and new what she wanted and went for what she wanted and was working hard to make it happen and even though things didn't always happen the way she would have planned,She had a way about her that made it work and made it all okay and I think that it was because she had god in her heart.She had a good heart and beleived in what was right,Anytime I've ever been around any of this family ,I felt as if they were my own. I hope that they can pull together and make it through this. We don't know why things happen. We must keep our lost loved ones in our hearts and remember the good things and memories that they leave us with.I know that you feel heart broken and anger now ,but when you look at that baby and you think about her sweet smiling face looking down on him and all of you ,I hope that will put your hearts at ease. I Love you all and I am so so sorry for your loss. Always here for you,Nannette
Posted by: Karrah cooper on Dec 5, 2008 at 04:02 AM
This is such a tragedy. Autumn was loved by everyone she worked with and such a joy to be around. Always had a smile on her face and talked about how much she loved her family. My heart and prayers go out to Joe and Landen she loved you very much.
Posted by: logan on Dec 5, 2008 at 03:38 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about this. I lost my daughter 3years ago close to the Holiday's. It's a terrible tragedy I know. My thoughts and my prayers are with all your family.
Posted by: Wyndee Fortune on Dec 5, 2008 at 01:37 AM
I am sorry to hear about the accident! She will never be forgotten! She and her family will be in my prayers!
Posted by: laura on Dec 5, 2008 at 12:19 AM
My heart aches. This is such a terrible tragedy. Autumn was such a beautiful person inside and out. She was so young but so mature. She had her life together. She was a hard worker and very motivated to succeed. She was a wonderful and dedicated mother to her baby boy. My prayers go out to Joe, Landen and the Armentrout family. Autumn, we will miss your smiling face at work. Laura Frye
Posted by: Amy on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.So sorry about your loss.
Posted by: Debra on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Autumn was my friends daughter and graduated with my daughter. She was such a delight to know a very happy person.This has hit everyone who knew this family very hard. It's sad she was on her way to the hospital for the birth of her nephew and didn't make it. I'll always remember the good times she spent here at my house with my girls. she will never be forgotten. Thank God the family has Landon to help get them through this. We love you guys The Barker
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I am so sorry for what has happened..Our prayers and support are with you..May God be with you in this time..They have a wounderful family and Autumn always had a smile...
Posted by: JoAnn Meadows on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Autumn was my daughter-in-law. she was such a beautiful person. My son Joe loved her very much. This is such a horrible tragedy to happen to this young woman and mother. We will miss her deeply.
Posted by: Cassie,Billy White&Becky Cheyenne Tomblin on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and Landon and Autums family.God Bless each one of you.If you guys need anything at all wre just a phone call away.
Posted by: Wow on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:05 PM
I work with her father and like Chapmanville said this is a close family. If I can be of any help just let me know. Autumn was just like the rest of the family a very kind and caring individual. I for one do hope that god provides comfort for them in this terrible time of tragedy.
Posted by: Tinie on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Autumn was one of my best friends and a beautiful person and mother. This is such a horrible situation. My thoughts and prayers are with her family tonight, especially her husband and beautiful son. She will be greatly missed.
Posted by: shellie on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:21 PM
IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR ALLS LOSS,SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL GIRL,I DONT KNOW HER OR THE FAMILY,BUT I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL.GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Posted by: Kelli on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:06 PM
We prayers go out to Joe, Landen, & the Armentrout family. May god watch over you in these terrible times. If there's anything we can do to help just let us know. We all love you Joe & Landen.
Posted by: Missy & Donna on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:00 PM
We are deeply saddened for Autumn's family. My daughter was very good friends with Autumn when they were younger. The family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Chapmanville on Dec 4, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Please pray for this family in this tragic time, esp. her twin sisters. They were all such a close family, and one of her sisters gave birth to her first son today, so please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers. Hard time for all & sadly she leaves behind a small child..
Posted by: Michelle Tomblin on Dec 4, 2008 at 05:48 PM
I used to work with Autumn and she was such a wonderful person. Her family is in our prayers.
Posted by: Ashley Dingess on Dec 4, 2008 at 04:35 PM
I graduated with Autumn. She was a very wonderful person and a great mother. Joe & the Armentrout family is in my prayers. We're going to miss you. Autumn and Anna are our guardian angels now.
Posted by: Condolences on Dec 4, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Such a bad time of year to lose a loved one, even though it is never a good time. May God be with the family of this young lady during this trying time. I hope the community pulls together to show their support.
Posted by: wvmom on Dec 4, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Ice is so dangerous! So tragic for her family.
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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4
  • Posted By: Fixed that for you: Any one who is paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them. Its simple NO TEST, NO CHECK. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for our money to go to people in government and on welfare who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: Chris to WSAZ: To all the workers and employees of WSAZ: Thank you for being there and allowing comments about the news.Our family watch only WSAZ news and enjoy each of you. I know that the recognition that you receive is little to none,but you deserve better.This goes out to the producers,cameramen,to everyone behind the scenes and the ones that are seen too. Thank you for having the best news program available to the public. God Bless Each and Everyone of You. Chris
  • Posted By: redbaron: in response to pablo on comment dated 01/06 - EXCUSE ME!! I do believe FIREFIGHTERS also risk their lives for total strangers and no they are NOT law enforcement!
  • Posted By: omg: I am so sick and tired of hearing how public school teachers are indebted to the public for their salary. Many of you are so freakin nosey that if your neighbor stopped too fast, you'd have to get a crane to remove your head from their rear. I am so tired of this drug test line. Teachers deserve to pee in peace and so do you. Why should teachers be forced to have their personal lives paraded all over the news? That is exactly what would happen. If a typical joe blow got fired from the coal mines for drugs, it wouldn't make front page news. A teacher being fired for drugs would. You people expect teachers to be the mother, father, grandparent, clergyman, counselor, as well as the teacher. You don't do anything with your kids but expect the teacher to fix all the problem you create. Some of them probably need drugs by the time they are done raising your spoiled kids who think the world owes them something on a silver platter. Take your own drug test before you get pregnant.
  • Posted By: Sophie: Re: The student (Hinzman?) being expelled for using foul language after being bullied & beaten on school grounds; you should not have been expelled for expressing your hurt, anger & disgust. You were a victim and did nothing. It is unreasonable to punish the victim - so what if he cussed - I'd cuss too if someone beat the beegeebers out of me. The kid who beat you should receive jail time & counciling; the kid who filmed you & released it on U-Tube should too. It has often been said that television is desensitizing our children so badly they have no empathy for others. This is a prime example. I hope the school board will have enough common sense to clear this victims school record of the incident as he should not have been expelled, and get him counciling also as such a trauma will surly have an effect on a young life.
  • Posted By: Boyd: Any one who is employed and gets paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them for their work. Its simple NO TEST, NO JOB. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for federal, state and municipal employees who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: George: As a parent I have no problem being drug tested. I'll stand in line right behind Katy.
  • Posted By: goodorbad: I look at it like this-if you dont have anything to hide, shut up and do the test!
  • Posted By: Rick: I think all teachers should be drug tested, I drive a transit bus for our county and I want the public to know I am drug free and teachers should want everyone to know the same, that their children are not in the care of people on drugs,if you have nothing to hide why object to random testing I know I don't
  • Posted By: Tea: I can't even imagine that our teachers have not been drug tested up until this time. Anyone who refuses should be fired. These are our children!!! People take drug test when they don't even work with people, let alone children. These are government jobs and we should have a say in what they have to do.
  • Posted By: Ari: Cheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joe: I have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: Katy: As a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephen: Why the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: Robert: Although I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: Boyd: If the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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