MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An elderly bicyclist was killed in Oakvale, West Virginia, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle on Kellysville Road. The accident occurred around 5:45 p.m., when Troopers arrived to find the bicyclist, identified as Gregory Whitlow, lying in a roadside ditch. Whitlow was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, Patrick Jones, was transported to the West Virginia State Police Princeton Detachment for questioning. Cpl. Morris, who conducted the interview, noted that Jones showed signs of possible impairment, including dilated pupils. Jones voluntarily agreed to a blood test at Princeton Community Hospital, which was subsequently sent to the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab for analysis.
On October 16, 2024, test results indicated Jones had elevated levels of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in his system, active compounds found in the prescription medication Suboxone, a Schedule III controlled substance. The levels in Jones’ blood were above therapeutic limits, suggesting impairment at the time of the accident.
The West Virginia State Police Accident Reconstruction Team confirmed Whitlow was riding legally on the roadway at the time of the incident. Jones is charged with DUI causing death.
