It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Doug Skaff Jr., a beloved leader, visionary, husband, father, and friend. Doug tragically passed away on June 10, 2025, in a car accident in Lewis County, West Virginia. He was 48 years old.
Doug Skaff was so much more than a public figure, he was a force of nature. With an unmatched passion for West Virginia and a heart for people, Doug had a unique ability to inspire those around him. He made work feel like a journey, not a job. His energy was infectious, and his belief in people made you want to rise to the occasion. His colleagues, friends, and community remember him not just for his accomplishments, but for his warmth, laughter, and captivating energy.
Though he served for over a decade in the West Virginia House of Delegates, Doug’s true legacy lives beyond politics. As a business leader and president of HD Media, he played a vital role in revitalizing local journalism and promoting truth and transparency in our state. He was someone with big ideas and the boldness to bring them to life.
His dedication to West Virginia was further demonstrated through his involvement in various community initiatives. Doug played a pivotal role in the development of the Park Place retail project in South Charleston. He also co-chaired the Coal Communities Workgroup, working to revitalize areas impacted by the decline of the coal industry. He took on a vital leadership role at the West Virginia Press Association as Executive Director, and throughout his leadership emphasized the growth and future of the news industry. Most recently, Doug had taken on the restoration of Fazio’s Italian Restaurant, a beloved Charleston institution, with plans to preserve its legacy and reinvest in the community he loved so deeply.
Not only was Doug an incredible entrepreneur and businessman, but he was a family man above all else. Despite a demanding schedule, he never wavered in his devotion to his wife and three sons. He made time, no matter what. He was a proud father, a loving husband, and a role model for so many. His love for his family was visible in everything he did.
Doug had ambitious and impactful projects in motion aimed at bettering West Virginia; efforts that reflected his deep commitment to the state’s future. Whether through mentoring young leaders, launching community initiatives, or investing in innovation, Doug believed in building a better tomorrow for everyone. We all saw how much he wanted to help people. He was a good soul, and he deserves to be remembered not just for what he did, but for how deeply he cared.
Our hearts are with Doug’s family, his wife and three sons, during this unimaginable time. We mourn alongside them and offer our deepest, most heartfelt condolences. Doug Skaff Jr. leaves behind a legacy of hope, integrity, and compassion. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire all of us to dream bigger, give more, and live with purpose, just as he did.
