Elkins High School

ELKINS – Police have released the first details on a fatal ATV wreck over the weekend that claimed the life of an Elkins High School student.

At 1 p.m. on Monday, Captain L.T. Goldie Jr., the West Virginia State Police Deputy Chief of Staff in Charleston, issued a press release about the wreck, the first information provided publicly by police about the incident.

“On Friday, March 6, 2026, at approximately 6:08 p.m., Elkins Dispatch received a call regarding an ATV crash in the area of Isner Creek Road in Elkins, West Virginia,” the release states.

“Upon arrival, a 16-year-old female juvenile was pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained in a crash involving a 2022 Can-Am Defender. Three other juveniles were also in the ATV at the time of the crash.”

The incident occurred on private farmland and no other injuries were reported, the release states, adding that no criminal activity is suspected.

“Death notification was delivered in person to the victim’s parents,” the release states.

No names of the victims have been released at this time.

Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins currently features a brief death notice for a student on its website.

“Rileigh ‘Ri’ Wingfield, age 15 years, a resident of Elkins, passed away Friday evening, March 6, 2026,” the website states. “Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be under the direction of the Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins for Rileigh ‘Ri’ Wingfield. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.”

A GoFundMe page was created for the Wingfield family over the weekend. In two days, the page has raised $27,610 of its $28,000 goal, through a total of 413 donations.

The GoFundMe page, organized by Vanessa Halle of Elkins, states, “Miranda Wingfield is a good friend who is facing an unimaginable loss. On Friday, March 6, 2026, her fifteen-year-old daughter, Rileigh, was tragically killed in an ATV accident. The Wingfield family is devastated, and the pain of losing a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. Miranda has always been a loving mother and a supportive friend, and now she needs the support of her community more than ever.

“In the wake of this tragedy, Miranda and her family are struggling not only with grief but also with the financial burdens that come with such a sudden loss. The funds raised through this campaign will help cover funeral expenses for Rileigh, provide for the family’s living expenses, and support Miranda as she takes time away from work to grieve and care for her loved ones. Your generosity will help ease some of the stress and allow the Wingfield family to focus on healing.

“We are asking for your support for the Wingfield family during this unimaginable time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser to help Miranda and her family as they navigate this heartbreaking journey.”

The student’s death was first reported on Saturday, March 7, in a release from Randolph County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Shawn Dilly, who also stated that “several other students were seriously injured.”

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news that an Elkins High School student has tragically passed away, and several other students were seriously injured this weekend. This loss is deeply felt across our entire school community,” Dilly wrote.

“Our hearts go out to the family of the student we have lost, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We also continue to keep the injured students and their families in our thoughts and prayers as they receive care and begin the road to recovery.

“When tragedy touches our school community, it affects us all.,” Dilly wrote. “Counselors and support staff will be available at Elkins High School to support any students or staff who may need someone to talk with in the days ahead. We encourage families to take time to talk with their children and offer comfort as we grieve together.

“Please keep all affected families in your thoughts and prayers as our community comes together to support one another.”

A separate post Saturday on an Elkins High School social media page stated:

“Our Tiger community is grieving the loss of one of our students. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family, friends, and all who knew her.

“We will have additional support available for students and staff at school on Monday.

“Please keep our students, staff, and school community in your prayers during this difficult time.”

The City of Elkins also released a statement Saturday, offering condolences to the families involved.

“Our hearts are broken hearing this news, and we offer our deepest condolences to these families and the Elkins High School community,” a City of Elkins social media post states. “Please hold these families in your thoughts and give your loved ones an extra hug tonight.”