BOONE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A fatal head-on collision in Boone County is now being investigated as a drug-related incident after toxicology results revealed the surviving driver was under the influence of multiple controlled substances at the time of the crash.
On May 9, 2025, Boone County deputies responded to a serious two-vehicle crash in the 15000 block of Coal River Road. Medics on scene pronounced one of the drivers, Donna Kay Campbell, 69, of Seth, dead upon arrival. The deceased was the sole occupant of one vehicle. The other driver, identified as Cory Michael Cantley, 36, of Peytona, had to be extracted from his vehicle and was transported to CAMC General Hospital in serious condition.
According to the crash investigation report (25CR-075), Cantley was traveling west on Route 3 when he crossed the double center line, striking the oncoming vehicle head-on. Investigators found no evidence of braking or swerving on Cantley’s part, suggesting no attempt was made to avoid the collision — a possible indicator of driver impairment.
While at the hospital, a medic reported that Cantley had visible signs of intravenous drug use, including pinpoint marks and scabbing on both arms. Based on this information, deputies obtained a search warrant for a blood draw, which was executed at CAMC General and sent to the West Virginia State Police Lab for analysis.
On July 28, 2025, the Boone County Sheriff’s Office received the toxicology results. Cantley’s blood tested positive for multiple Schedule II and III controlled substances, including amphetamine, buprenorphine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and norbuprenorphine.
Deputies now allege Cantley was in an impaired state at the time of the crash, in violation of WV Code 17C-5-2(b)(1)(B). Authorities believe his impaired condition directly caused the fatal collision.
