The rumor mill is causing problems for Monongalia County investigators.
Prompted by varying accounts and claims swirling online about a wreck that resulted in the death of Kevin Lataille , of Smithfield, Pa., the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office issued a plea on its Facebook page on Tuesday.
Lataille’s vehicle – a bronze-colored Hyundai Tucson, Pennsylvania license plate KSD 4278 – was pulled from Cheat Lake on Sunday.
“The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office is respectfully asking the public to refrain from sharing or spreading inaccurate information regarding the recent accident that occurred on Interstate 68, Cheat Lake Bridge. False reports and rumors circulating on social media and other platforms have only served to confuse and mislead the community, making it harder to establish the facts.”
According to the post, detectives and trained accident reconstructionists are investigating the incident and will provide information when a more accurate, up-to-date version of events is available.
“The spreading of unverified details causes unnecessary efforts and takes away from investigating,” the post reads.
Lataille was last heard from a week earlier, when he called his wife to say he was preparing to drive home from his shift at Eat ‘n Park in Morgantown – through the worsening snowstorm.
Officials ask that anyone with direct knowledge of the incident contact the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office at 304-291-7260 or email photographs/video to info@monongaliasheriff.gov
“We understand that this incident has generated widespread concern, but it’s crucial that we prioritize truth and sensitivity in our communications,” the Monongalia County Sheriff’s post states. “We urge everyone to be responsible in their sharing of information and to refrain from participating in the circulation of unfounded claims. All MECCA 911 audio calls and radio communications have been listened to and at no time did the MECCA 911 Center receive a call about a car going off the bridge into Cheat Lake.
Let’s work together to provide support, rather than contribute to confusion or harm.”
