Tractor-Trailer Swerves Off Interstate 79, Leaving Driver Ronald Blair Porrin Dead at Scene

A devastating crash unfolded along Interstate 79 near mile marker 110 in Harrison County, West Virginia, on Sunday, when a tractor-trailer veered suddenly off the right side of the highway and down an embankment. The West Virginia State Police are investigating the cause of the incident, which claimed the life of Ronald Blair Porrin, the truck’s sole occupant and driver.

According to preliminary reports, the tractor-trailer, operated by Mr. Ronald Blair Porrin, was traveling northbound on I-79 when, for reasons not yet known, it abruptly swerved off the right shoulder of the highway. Witnesses and early scene assessments indicate that the truck never came to a stop on the shoulder. Instead, it continued forward, leaving the paved surface and plunging down a steep embankment. The force of the descent caused the cab to overturn multiple times before coming to rest amid heavy brush and debris.

Emergency services, including the West Virginia State Police, Harrison County Emergency Management, and local fire and rescue teams, were dispatched immediately after reports of the crash were received. Senior Trooper I.M. Harmon, who was among the first responders, confirmed that despite their swift arrival, there was nothing that could be done to save the driver. “The situation was hopeless,” Harmon said. “The impact was severe, and the driver had already passed when we reached him.”

Authorities confirmed that Mr. Porrin was ejected from the cab during the violent crash, a factor that may have contributed significantly to the fatal outcome. He was declared dead at the scene. The Harrison County Coroner’s Office has ruled his death consistent with injuries sustained in the wreck. Mr. Porrin’s next of kin have been notified, and the West Virginia State Police have extended their condolences to his family.

Investigation Ongoing

Investigators are currently working to determine what caused the tractor-trailer to leave the roadway so abruptly. The State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit is analyzing skid marks, road conditions, and mechanical factors to identify whether driver fatigue, a medical emergency, equipment failure, or roadway hazards might have been involved. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear, and visibility was good, though the section of Interstate 79 where the crash occurred includes a gradual curve and a long downhill grade that has been the site of previous roadway incidents.

The truck itself sustained extensive damage, and debris was scattered across a wide area below the embankment. The vehicle’s data recorder — often referred to as the “black box” — will be examined to determine the truck’s speed, braking activity, and steering inputs in the moments before the crash. Troopers have stated that their goal is to piece together an exact timeline of what happened during those final seconds on the road.

Remembering Ronald Blair Porrin

Ronald Blair Porrin, whose age has not been publicly released, was described by acquaintances as a seasoned truck driver with years of experience on interstate routes throughout the region. Colleagues remember him as dependable and hardworking — someone who took pride in doing his job safely and efficiently. Friends and family are mourning the loss of a man they say was “always willing to lend a hand” and “never met a stranger.”

Mr. Porrin’s passing has sent ripples of sadness through both his family circle and the local trucking community. Many drivers who heard the news over CB radio and dispatch networks have shared messages of condolence, a testament to the strong sense of camaraderie among long-haul truckers. A small roadside memorial of flowers and candles has already begun to form near mile marker 110, placed there by passing motorists and fellow drivers.

Authorities Urge Caution

As the investigation continues, the West Virginia State Police are urging motorists, particularly commercial truck drivers, to remain vigilant on highways and to take precautions against fatigue and distraction. Interstate 79 is a heavily traveled freight corridor, and even experienced drivers can face unforeseen dangers. Trooper Harmon emphasized that every detail — from road surface to driver condition — will be reviewed thoroughly before the final report is issued.

For now, what remains clear is the profound loss felt by those who knew Ronald Blair Porrin. His life ended unexpectedly on a quiet stretch of highway, but his memory will endure among those who traveled the long roads with him — mile after mile, load after load, across the hills of West Virginia.