Tragic head-on crash on I-70 claims two West Virginia motorists
On Interstate 70 in Washington County, Pennsylvania, near Exit 6 in Donegal Township, two West Virginia residents lost their lives in a devastating head-on collision. The victims were 59-year-old Donna K. Havens of Wheeling and 69-year-old William L. Magers of Glen Dale, both of whom were pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police and the Washington County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred Friday evening, around 5:00 p.m. The preliminary investigation revealed that Donna Havens was driving eastbound when her vehicle crossed the grassy median into the westbound lanes of I-70, directly into the path of a vehicle driven by William Magers. The two cars collided head-on with tremendous force, leaving extensive damage and forcing a complete shutdown of the highway for several hours.
Emergency personnel from local fire and rescue units quickly arrived on scene, but both drivers passed before they could be transported for further care. A third individual, a passenger in Magers’ vehicle, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a nearby trauma center. Another passenger, reportedly a young boy, miraculously escaped without injury — a small glimmer of relief amid a scene of immense tragedy.
The impact closed both directions of I-70 while state police and crash reconstruction teams worked to document the site and clear debris. Eastbound lanes reopened around 7:50 p.m., and westbound lanes resumed traffic shortly after 8:25 p.m. The wreck caused significant traffic delays throughout the evening, with detours in place as investigators gathered data and assessed roadway conditions.
Authorities are still investigating what led Donna Havens’ vehicle to cross the median. Possible factors being considered include driver fatigue, medical emergency, mechanical issues, or loss of vehicle control. Weather and visibility conditions at the time were also noted to be moderate, with light evening fog. Troopers have emphasized that no official cause has yet been determined, and the investigation remains active.
The crash occurred on a section of I-70 known for its wide grassy median and limited barrier protection between opposing lanes of traffic — a design that has been criticized for years due to similar cross-over incidents. Road safety advocates and officials are once again urging the installation of cable barriers or guardrails to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
Donna K. Havens was a resident of Wheeling, West Virginia, and is remembered by those who knew her as a kind, dependable woman who cherished her family and her community. William L. Magers, from nearby Glen Dale, was described by friends as a warm-hearted man with a strong sense of family and faith. Both individuals were longtime residents of their respective towns and leave behind loved ones now facing unimaginable loss.
The Washington County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identities of both drivers and stated that autopsies would be performed as part of the routine investigation. Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days by their families.
This tragic collision has deeply affected communities on both sides of the West Virginia-Pennsylvania border. As friends and relatives mourn the loss of Donna Havens and William Magers, many are reminded of how fragile life can be and how important road safety measures remain. Their passing stands as a somber call for caution and compassion — both on and off the highway.