LEWIS COUNTY W.Va. (Hinton News) — West Virginia is mourning the loss of Doug Skaff Jr., a deeply connected figure in both the state’s political and media circles, who died Tuesday, June 10, at the age of 48 following a vehicle accident in Lewis County. Skaff Jr. was widely recognized as the president of HD Media, which publishes the Charleston Gazette, and a dedicated board member of the West Virginia Press Association. His career also notably included serving as a state delegate.
Details about the accident, which occurred at mile marker 101 on I-79 near the Weston exit, have not yet been released.
The state feels this loss deeply, with many state representatives issuing statements.
House Speaker Roger Hanshaw said, “I am sad today. Yesterday our state lost a leader, and I lost a friend. Doug Skaff and I had been friends for over 25 years. We first met as students at WVU when he and I were there together as young men straight out of high school. Even then we would talk about what we thought the state of West Virginia could be and brainstorm ideas for making it happen. It was among the highlights of my professional life having the opportunity to work with him on some of same ideas he and I talked about over 20 years prior.”
Congressman Riley Moore said, “Tonight, Mina and I join the people of West Virginia in grieving the loss of a true Mountaineer. Doug Skaff, my good friend, was a West Virginian through and through. From his time as Student Body President at West Virginia University to his time in the West Virginia House of Delegates, Doug loved our state and our people.”
Chairman Mike Pushkin, who served alongside Skaff in the House, shared his condolences, saying, “Doug Skaff was more than just a colleague; he was a friend to many of us, even after he left the legislature. His humor was infectious, and his dedication to his family, particularly his love for his children, was evident in everything he did. Doug was deeply committed to the community—whether through his public service, his entrepreneurial spirit, or his active community involvement. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of community fiengagement and dedication, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marisa, his children Andrew, Elias, and Alexander, and his many friends.”
Like many newspapers, The Hinton News mourns Skaff’s passing. His legacy will not be forgotten.
In emergency services, there is a tradition of a “last call.” This tradition entails the deceased being called on the radio system one last time, along with a eulogy of sorts and the phrase “we’ll take it from here.” While there is no last call tradition in the newspaper industry, I want to include a variation.
Doug, you will be missed by all who knew you. We will all carry on with the business of news and look back on the example you set for us all. May press across the state remember your efforts and work to keep newspapers alive and delivering factual, unbiased news. May you rest in peace. We will take it from here.
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