In the quiet predawn hours of May 11, 2025, the Charleston, West Virginia, community was struck by a devastating tragedy that claimed thelives of two young women and left two others fighting for survival. Tiara Pitts, a vibrant 29-year-old mother known for her unwavering support at her son’s sporting events, was behind the wheel of a white Dodge Caravan when it veered off Interstate 77 southbound near the Interstate 64 split. Beside her sat Katelyn Berger, a 30-year-old whose nurturing spirit made her a maternal figure to coworkers at a local Wendy’s. Both women, cherished members of their tight-knit community, were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind grieving families and a city grappling with profound loss.

The crash occurred around 4:30 a.m., when the minivan, carrying four occupants, struck a concrete barrier near mile marker 100. The force of the impact sent the vehicle careening off the elevated roadway, plummeting to the ground below and coming to rest near the Elk River on property operated by the Martin Marietta Charleston Yard at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue. Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Division later revealed that the driver, front-seat passenger, and one other occupant were ejected from the vehicle, none of whom were wearing seatbelts at the time. The wreckage, heavily damaged, was recovered by a heavy-equipment tow truck and placed upright on the westbound lanes of Interstate 64, a stark reminder of the violence of the collision. The two surviving passengers were rushed to Charleston Area Medical Center, where they remain in critical condition, their identities withheld pending further investigation.

The Charleston Police Department’s Crash Investigation Unit is meticulously piecing together the circumstances that led to the fatal accident. Initial reports indicate the vehicle was traveling southbound when it lost control, though the exact cause—whether mechanical failure, driver error, or external factors—remains under scrutiny. The incident prompted the closure of Interstate 77 southbound and, later, Interstate 64 westbound at the Elk River split, snarling traffic near downtown Charleston until all roadways were reopened by 8:15 a.m. The investigation continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in understanding this heartbreaking event.

Tiara Pitts was remembered by friends and family as a proud, outspoken mother whose presence on the sidelines of her son’s games was a constant source of encouragement. Her infectious energy and kindness touched many, from organizing community donation drives to cheering loudly at local events. Katelyn Berger, equally beloved, was described as a cornerstone of her workplace, welcoming young employees with warmth and guidance. Her colleagues recalled her ability to make everyone feel at home, a testament to her generous spirit. The loss of these women has reverberated through Charleston, prompting an outpouring of support, including a GoFundMe campaign for Katelyn’s mother, Sylvia Berger, which has raised over $11,000 to help the family navigate this unimaginable grief.

The tragedy underscores broader concerns about road safety in the region, particularly on high-traffic corridors like Interstate 77. Community members are calling for increased vigilance and potential infrastructure improvements to prevent similar incidents. As Charleston mourns, the stories of Tiara and Katelyn—mothers, friends, and pillars of their community—serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of those who live it fully. The Charleston Police Department encourages anyone with relevant information to contact the Crash Investigation Unit to assist in bringing clarity and closure to this devastating chapter.