WELLSBURG, W.Va. — A tragic accident unfolded Friday morning, July 18, 2025, in Wellsburg, leaving the community in mourning and raising critical questions about highway safety and the transport of oversized loads. Authorities have confirmed that 62-year-old Gerald Davis Jr., a commercial truck driver from Texas, lost his life when his tractor-trailer plunged into the Ohio River following a suspected brake failure.
The incident occurred around 9:13 a.m. near 10th Street, where the tractor-trailer, carrying a steel coil and weighing approximately 193,000 pounds with a height of 15 feet, lost control while descending Washington Pike (W.Va. 27) toward Route 2. The truck, operating under a special permit due to its oversized and overweight load, was accompanied by escort vehicles as mandated by state regulations.
Timeline of the Incident
Wellsburg Police Chief Mike Allman reported that the crash occurred shortly after sunrise. Preliminary investigations indicate that Gerald Davis Jr. experienced a catastrophic brake failure while navigating the steep downhill grade of Washington Pike, a route known for its challenging descent and busy intersections.
Chief Allman stated, “Initial indications are he lost his brakes on Washington Pike coming downhill toward Route 2. The truck was heavy and traveling at a high rate of speed.”
An escort driver behind the truck radioed Davis, reporting smoke emanating from the vehicle, possibly due to overheating brakes or tire issues. The lead escort vehicle pulled to the side to avoid the truck’s path, narrowly escaping disaster.
A High-Speed Descent
Despite the mechanical failure, Davis demonstrated extraordinary skill and composure. The truck sped through multiple intersections, including Route 2, Charles Street, and Main Street, miraculously avoiding collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
“He managed to control it through those intersections,” Chief Allman noted, emphasizing the fortune that no additional injuries or fatalities occurred. “It’s a busy area, and it’s remarkable no one else was in the direct path.”
The truck’s momentum carried it down an access road north of the Brooke County Public Library’s rear parking lot, where it struck a tree along the riverbank before plunging into the Ohio River. The cab and trailer sank approximately 18 feet underwater, 15 to 20 feet from the shore.
Recovery and Investigation
Emergency response teams, including divers from Weirton, Wheeling, North Strabane Township, Pa., and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, were swiftly deployed. After a challenging two-hour operation, divers extricated Gerald Davis Jr. from the submerged cab, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brooke County Director of Emergency Management Greg Moore confirmed that Gladiator Trucking, the truck’s owner, engaged a towing service to remove the wreckage, a complex task given its weight and submersion. Authorities are also assessing potential environmental impacts from the crash.
Chief Allman noted that the truck’s special permit allowed its extraordinary weight and height, requiring escort vehicles, which were properly positioned. However, the incident underscores the risks of transporting oversized loads through hilly, populated areas.
“This was a high-profile, heavy load,” Allman said. “Everything was done by the book, but a mechanical failure with this kind of weight can lead to catastrophic outcomes.”
Remembering Gerald Davis Jr.
Gerald Davis Jr., a veteran driver with a Texas commercial driver’s license, was respected in the trucking industry for his professionalism and dedication. Colleagues and loved ones remember him as a quiet, diligent worker who prioritized safety, making his loss deeply felt across the community of drivers and beyond.
His final moments, steering a runaway truck through busy intersections to avoid harming others, reflect his courage and skill under unimaginable pressure. His death highlights the inherent dangers faced by professional truck drivers, particularly those handling specialized, heavy loads.
Moving Forward
The Wellsburg Police Department, in collaboration with state and federal transportation authorities, is investigating the truck’s maintenance records, mechanical logs, and any available video footage to determine the exact cause of the brake failure. This tragedy follows a history of concerns about Washington Pike’s steep grade, with a similar brake failure incident reported over 15 years ago and a box truck overturning at the Route 2 intersection just days earlier on July 15, 2025.
As Wellsburg grieves, the community reflects on the fragility of life and the bravery of Gerald Davis Jr., whose actions likely prevented a greater tragedy. Recovery efforts and the investigation continue, with updates expected as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances of this devastating event.
Rest in peace, Gerald Davis Jr. Your courage and sacrifice will be remembered.