In Loving Memory of Ethelyn Grubb
The Kanawha County community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 8-year-old Ethelyn Grubb, whose young life was tragically cut short following a devastating two-vehicle crash on Lens Creek Road on December 2. A day that began like any other ended in unimaginable sorrow, leaving a family shattered and a community united in grief.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 4:53 p.m. in the 2000 block of Lens Creek Road. Investigators reported that an SUV and a utility truck collided head-on, resulting in a violent impact that overturned the utility truck onto its side and sent the SUV into a nearby ditch. The force of the collision underscored the severity of the incident and the urgency of the response that followed.
In the moments immediately after the crash, a passerby stopped and performed CPR on Ethelyn until emergency crews arrived. Despite those heroic efforts and the swift response of first responders from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Marmet Volunteer Fire Department, and Kanawha County EMS, Ethelyn succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Authorities identified the driver of the SUV as Ethelyn’s mother, who was transported from the scene for medical treatment. The driver of the Mullen’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling utility van was also taken to a medical facility for treatment. Deputies stated that preliminary findings indicate the SUV may have been traveling in the wrong lane at the time of the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Unit continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine exactly what led to this tragic outcome.
Ethelyn was more than a name in a report—she was a bright, innocent child with a future full of promise. She was a daughter, a student, a friend, and a light to those around her. Her laughter, curiosity, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by her family, classmates, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. No words can fully capture the pain of losing a child, nor can they mend the profound grief left behind.
As the investigation continues, the focus of this moment remains on honoring Ethelyn’s memory and surrounding her loved ones with compassion, prayers, and support. The community stands together, holding her family close in thought and spirit, and remembering a life gone far too soon.
May Ethelyn Grubb be remembered for the joy she brought into the world, and may her memory live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Rest peacefully, sweet angel—you will never be forgotten. 🕊️