The small town of Sissonville is united in grief this week after the tragic loss of 17-year-old Wylie Wilkinson, who died in a car accident Wednesday evening on Rocky Fork Road. As the community mourns, an overwhelming outpouring of love and support has poured in from classmates, friends, neighbors, and even strangers, all coming together to honor Wylie’s memory and the positive impact he had on those around him.
On Thursday morning, a group of around twenty of Wylie’s classmates gathered at the crash site, where they stood in silent reflection, sharing in the sorrow of losing a beloved friend. Prior to this, they had met at Sissonville High School to decorate Wylie’s parking spot with photos, messages, and purple—his favorite color—a fitting tribute to a young life full of promise that was taken far too soon.
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Ravyn Sumpter, one of Wylie’s close friends, spoke of how surreal the loss feels, explaining that visiting the crash site helped her and others come to terms with the reality of the tragedy. Cooper Hall, another friend, recalled Wylie as someone who was impossible to forget—always smiling, always laughing, and always spreading joy to everyone he encountered. Whether it was on the soccer field or in everyday life, Wylie’s warmth and positivity made an unforgettable impression.
The halls of Sissonville High School were quiet in the wake of the tragedy, weighed down by grief, but also filled with a sense of unity. Love and support have flooded in from all corners of the town, Kanawha County, and even beyond. In a show of solidarity, local grocery store workers wore purple, families placed flowers, and strangers offered condolences. The outpouring of kindness has been a testament to how deeply Wylie’s life touched so many.
In honor of Wylie, Sissonville High School students were encouraged to wear purple, but the response was far-reaching, with the entire community coming together to mourn, remember, and celebrate his spirit. The town, and many beyond, have rallied together, creating a collective moment of remembrance.
Wylie’s radiant smile, his unyielding kindness, and his infectious spirit will never be forgotten. His memory will continue to serve as a light in the lives of those who knew and loved him, and as a reminder of the joy he brought to the world.