RIDGELEY, W.Va. – The tight-knit community of Ridgeley, West Virginia, is in mourning after a lifelong resident was killed in a logging accident earlier this week.
The victim has been identified as Earl A. Hott, 53, of Ridgeley.
Tragic Details of the Accident
According to the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call reporting a logging accident near Bloomery on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Witnesses at the scene said Hott was cutting a tree when it kicked backward, striking a nearby dead tree. A large limb from the dead tree then broke loose and struck Hott, causing immediate fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene from blunt force trauma.
A Community Remembers a ‘Kind-Hearted’ Man
The accident has sent shockwaves through the small community of Ridgeley, where Hott was known and loved.
Friends and neighbors remembered him as a hardworking and kind-hearted man who contributed significantly to the town and will be deeply missed.
The Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to Hott’s family and friends.
Investigation and Reflection
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, the community has come together to support Hott’s family and honor his memory.
The heartbreaking incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers in logging work and the fragility of life. Ridgeley residents are keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this profound loss.