Sidney Brenwalt arrested after single-vehicle crash on Georgetown Road

Ford Fiesta ran off roadway into culvert and overturned leaving passenger dead

April 28, 2026 | Randolph, WV

A tragic single-vehicle accident in Randolph County claimed one life and injured another on a Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene along the 3400 block of Georgetown Road.

Sidney Austen Brenwalt, 31, was arrested after a crash on Georgetown Road in Randolph County that killed a passenger.

What Happened in the Crash?

The incident unfolded around 3:30 p.m. when a silver 2012 Ford Fiesta veered off the right side of the road. The vehicle descended a hill, entered a stream, collided with a concrete culvert, and overturned.

• Date and Time: April 28, around 3:30 p.m.
• Location: 3400 block of Georgetown Road, Randolph County, West Virginia
• Vehicle Involved: Silver 2012 Ford Fiesta
• Outcome for Passenger: Ejected during the crash, pronounced dead at the scene by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
• Outcome for Driver: 31-year-old Sidney Austen Brenwalt of Beverly was injured and transported to Davis Medical Center
• Contributing Factors: Impairment and speed, per the investigators

Why Was the Driver Charged?

Investigators observed signs of impairment in Brenwalt, including bloodshot eyes and an alcohol odor. He admitted to consuming alcohol before driving and failed a standard field sobriety test. A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.164, exceeding the legal limit by double.

Brenwalt faces charges of DUI causing death. He is held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond. The crash is under ongoing investigation by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the West Virginia State Police.

DUI Accident Statistics

Impaired driving remains a leading cause of road fatalities. Below is a summary of key data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Safety Council (NSC).

Legal Insights

National legal analysts provide perspective on cases involving impaired driving and motor vehicle crashes.

"Drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after an accident that harms or kills another person," noted Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "In cases such as this, a victim's family may pursue compensation via a civil lawsuit against the responsible party."

• Impaired driving is preventable and poses risks to all road users.
• Criminal penalties can include DUI causing death charges.
• Families may seek wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

"The stress and sorrow after losing a loved one in an accident can be overwhelming," said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Protecting rights is vital, and a wrongful death lawyer can track the investigation and safeguard legal interests."

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