Doug Skaff Jr., a well-known West Virginia politician, businessman, and community advocate, died Tuesday in a car accident at the age of 48. The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 79 near Weston, shutting down the southbound lanes at mile marker 101, according to West Virginia 511 Central.
Skaff is survived by his wife Marisa and their three sons—Andrew, Elias, and Alexander.
Doug Skaff began his political career in 2008 when he was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, representing Kanawha County. After stepping away in 2014, he made a successful return in 2018 and later became House minority leader in 2020. He resigned from that role in August 2023 and left the House the following month.
In a surprising political shift, Skaff changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in October 2023. He then ran in the 2024 Republican primary for Secretary of State, finishing second to Kris Warner, the brother of then-Secretary of State Mac Warner. Skaff had also filed paperwork to run for the state Senate in District 17, a seat currently held by Senators Tom Takubo and Anne Charnock.
News of his sudden death triggered an outpouring of tributes from both Republican and Democratic leaders across the state.
“I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of our friend Doug Skaff,” said Gov. Patrick Morrisey. “He was omnipresent in the Charleston community and will be greatly missed.”
Delegate Mike Pushkin, chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party, called Skaff more than just a colleague. “He was a friend to many of us,” Pushkin said. “His humor was infectious, and his love for his family, especially his kids, was evident in everything he did.”
Senate President Randy Smith, who served alongside Skaff, said, “Even though we often disagreed politically, Doug always treated me with kindness and respect.”
U.S. Representative Riley Moore recalled their time coaching their children’s soccer team together. “He was a devoted father and a true friend,” Moore said. “Our hearts go out to Marisa and the boys.”
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin ordered all city flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Skaff, calling him “a true champion for her people.”
In addition to his political service, Skaff was a prominent figure in West Virginia media and business. He served as president of HD Media, which owns several major newspapers, including The Charleston Gazette-Mail and The Huntington Herald-Dispatch. Skaff also briefly led the West Virginia Press Association and recently purchased Fazio’s, a beloved Italian restaurant in Charleston.
Doug Reynolds, HD Media’s managing partner and a longtime friend, remembered Skaff as “one of the finest entrepreneurs and public servants I’ve ever known. Just unflappable optimism.”
Skaff was a proud West Virginia University graduate, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there and serving as student body president. He and his family were active supporters of WVU and several community organizations, including the YWCA.
“Doug was deeply committed to West Virginia,” Pushkin added. “Whether through politics, business, or volunteering, he poured his heart into our state. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership and compassion that won’t be forgotten.”
