Rodney Schafer Car Accident, 10-Year-Old Girl Obituary, HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, W.Va. — A 10-year-old girl has died following a single-vehicle crash near Slanesville, West Virginia, in the early morning hours of August 8, 2026, leaving family, friends and members of the Hampshire County community mourning her loss.
According to updated information released by the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 1:21 a.m. near the intersection of West Virginia Route 29 and West Virginia Route 127, north of Slanesville.
Authorities said the driver, identified as 57-year-old Rodney Schafer of Toledo, Ohio, contacted 911 dispatchers after the collision. Schafer reportedly told dispatchers that he believed he had fallen asleep while driving and later provided investigators with the same account concerning the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene and worked to assist those involved in the collision. Despite the response efforts, the 10-year-old girl sustained fatal injuries and died following the crash.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Authorities have not released additional information about the young victim, including her name, pending any further notifications or updates.
The child’s death has brought grief to Hampshire County and the surrounding community. Those mourning her loss are remembering a young life and the memories she shared with the people around her.
Family, friends and community members are offering condolences to those closest to the girl as they navigate the difficult days following her death. Her passing represents a heartbreaking loss for everyone who knew and loved her.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances of the crash. The young girl will be remembered by her loved ones, while the community continues to extend its sympathy and support to her family during this difficult time.
