On a quiet Saturday morning, May 24, 2025, the life of Damian Anthony Lanza, a 55-year-old resident of Fairhope, Pennsylvania, was tragically cut short in a devastating head-on collision on State Route 28 near Wiley Ford, West Virginia. The crash, which occurred at 7:12 a.m., left a community in mourning and underscored the fragility of life on the region’s rural highways. Lanza, described by those who knew him as a kind and dependable man, was pronounced dead at the scene, trapped in the wreckage of his Nissan Versa. The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lanza’s vehicle inexplicably crossed the center line, colliding with a 2019 Ford Edge driven by Jason Lloyd Yaider, a 26-year-old from Paw Paw, West Virginia. The impact was catastrophic, leaving both vehicles mangled and Yaider injured, requiring immediate medical attention at UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland.
The collision took place on a stretch of Route 28 just south of John Chaney Road, a two-lane road known for its scenic views but also its potential for danger due to its narrow shoulders and occasional sharp curves. Emergency responders from Wiley Ford, Ridgeley, Short Gap, and Cumberland fire departments rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to extricate Lanza from his vehicle, though their efforts could not save him. Yaider, who sustained injuries in the crash, was transported to the hospital, though authorities have not released details about his condition, citing privacy concerns. The sheriff’s office has yet to determine why Lanza’s vehicle veered into oncoming traffic, and the investigation remains ongoing, with officials examining factors such as road conditions, potential distractions, or mechanical issues.
The aftermath of the crash brought Route 28 to a standstill, with the roadway closed for several hours as Division of Highways crews detoured traffic to allow investigators to process the scene. Skid marks and debris littered the pavement, a stark reminder of the violence of the collision. For residents of Wiley Ford and surrounding communities, the incident was a sobering moment, prompting reflection on the risks of everyday travel. Route 28, while a vital artery connecting small towns in Mineral County, has seen its share of accidents, and locals are now calling for increased safety measures, such as improved signage or barriers, to prevent future tragedies.
Lanza’s death has left a void in Fairhope, a close-knit community where he was known for his quiet generosity and dedication to his family. Friends and neighbors have shared stories of his willingness to lend a hand, whether helping with a home repair or offering a kind word. His passing serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of road safety. Authorities have not indicated whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the crash, but the investigation is expected to provide clarity in the coming weeks.
For Yaider, the young driver of the Ford Edge, the road to recovery remains uncertain. The physical and emotional toll of such an incident can linger, and the community has rallied to offer support to both families affected by the tragedy. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding what led to this heartbreaking event and how similar incidents might be prevented in the future. For now, the memory of Damian Anthony Lanza endures in the hearts of those who knew him, and the call for safer roads grows louder in the wake of this loss.
