HARPER’S FERRY W.Va. (Hinton News) – One West Virginian lost their life due to the effects of Tropical Storm Debby. First Sergeant Jonathan Meeks with the West Virginia State Police released the following statement:
“On Thursday, August 08, 2024, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia began receiving substantial rains and the subsequent effects from Tropical Storm Debbie. Just prior to 10 p.m. and as a result of the storm; Trooper B. S. Barker of the West Virginia State Police as well as fire and emergency personnel from Jefferson County, West Virginia, Loudoun County, Virginia, and Washington County, Maryland responded to 248 Mad Hatter Road in the Shannondale community of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia for a report of a structure collapse.
“Upon arrival units found a large oak tree had uprooted from the ground and fell through the residence. The residence was occupied by Peter Twigg and his wife Stephanie Wishmyer. As a result of this incident, Mrs. Wishmyer was struck and pinned underneath of the tree. Mrs. Wishmyer succumbed to injuries sustained and was pronounced deceased. at the scene. Mrs. Wishmyer was thirty-six (36) years of age. Mr. Twigg who was in an adjacent area of the residence at the time was able to exit without injury.
“While emergency personnel were on scene a second tree fell, part of which struck Rescue 4 from Independent Fire Company and caused minimal damage. The tree brought down power lines in the immediate area which ended up on top of Truck 620, a fire apparatus from Loudoun County, Virginia. Operations were temporarily suspended until the lines could be removed and safe operations resumed. No injuries were reported as a result of the second tree falling.”
