Doug Skaff Jr, a prominent Charleston businessman and former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, died Tuesday afternoon in a car crash on Interstate 79 in Lewis county, according to multiple state officials.Skaff, 48, was driving southbound when his vehicle crashed between the Jane Lew and Weston exits around 4:15 pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.A longtime figure in state politics and business, Skaff served more than a decade in the House of Delegates, including a term as House majority leader. He also ran unsuccessful campaigns for state Senate and Secretary of State. In addition to his political career, he also served as president of HD Media.West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey acknowledged Skaff’s passing on social media, while local leaders paid tribute to his contributions.Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin also expressed her condolences through a statement via her official website: “I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of former WV Delegate Doug Skaff. He was an outstanding public servant and businessman, but most important, he was a wonderful husband, father, and son.”In his most recent venture, Skaff had partnered with a group of investors to purchase Fazio’s Italian restaurant in Charleston. In a May 22 interview on the “580 Live” radio show, Skaff spoke about maintaining the restaurant’s longtime traditions, recipes, and ambiance.He also discussed his recovery from a severe snakebite incident that occurred in 2024, when he was bitten by multiple copperheads in Danville while collecting campaign signs. He spent several weeks in the hospital and described himself as “just blessed” to be walking again. Though still unable to run or jump, Skaff said he had been making progress in resuming normal activities.