Communities Grieving as accidents claim two teens Lives

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

Two separate accidents claimed the lives of two teens last week.

The first wreck occurred Thursday, Aug. 27, near the intersection of Cedar Run Road on US 52 in neighboring Wayne County, WV.

West Virginia State Police reported they responded to the two-vehicle crash just after 4:30 p.m., that claimed the life of Ronald Fredrick Joseph (RJ) Fraley, 18, of Fort Gay.

RJ was born Nov. 26, 2007 and was a 2026 graduate from Tolsia High School and was active in JROTC. He was employed in the Carpenters Union Apprentice Program for J.T. Thorpe.

He is survived by his paternal grandmother, Tennie Sue Fraley, mother, Sarah McIntosh Fraley, maternal grandparents, Jim and Jeanne McIntosh, sisters, Kylie Fraley, Annie Fraley, Casey Hinzman and Ashley Robinette; brothers Austin Fraley, Cory Maynard and Sheridan Maynard.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, Aug. 31, with Pastor Randy Smith officiating and final resting place in Doss Hill Cemetery. Young Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

The following day, Friday, Aug. 28, the life of another teen was lost in a single vehicle accident on US 23 in Lowmansville.

Kentucky State Police along with Louisa Fire Department and Lowmansville Fire Department responded to the wreck that claimed the life of 19-year-old Tayten Brian Drake Messer of Lovely.

Messer was born July 1, 2007, to Ladonna and Tiney Messer. A 2025 graduate from Martin County High School, Messer went on to study Diesel Technology at Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

Messer is survived by his parents and sisters, Brooke James and Candice Messer.

Messer was a dedicated racer at the 304 Motorsports Park who set up a gofundme page for the family.

Services for Messer will be at Southside Freewill Baptist Church in Paintsville at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 3. Friends may visit tonight Sept. 2 at the church from 6-9 p.m. Richmond Callaham Funeral Home of Inez is in charge of arrangements.