Flagger In Construction Zone Killed In Jefferson County After Being Struck By Vehicle

The victim was pronounced dead at Jefferson Medical Center

Rippon, WV. (BW)- A woman working as a flagger in a construction zone on U.S. Route 340 in West Virginia was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday, April 4.

62-year-old Kathy Ruth of Mount Hope, West Virginia was halting traffic on the southbound side of 340 just north of Lewisdale Road, when a 2012 Lexus RX350 drove around the first vehicle stopped and struck Ruth.

When the Lexus came to a stop, Ruth was trapped underneath the car. Witnesses on the scene attempted to lift the car to move Ruth until first responders could arrive.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Citizens Fire Company, Independent Fire Company and Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency responded to the scene around 10:30 a.m.

Ruth was transported to the Jefferson Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the Lexus is identified as 37-year-old Kiren Ward of Harpers Ferry.

The roadway was closed for investigation until around 1 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing.