A truck driver is facing charges related to a fatal crash on Cheat Lake Bridge in Monongalia County, West Virginia, in January 2025.
On Monday, March 3, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced that a warrant has been issued for New York-based truck driver Sukhjinder Singh on a charge of negligent homicide.
The charge was issued in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on January 19, 2025, on the Cheat Lake Bridge along eastbound I-68 near Morgantown, West Virginia.
On January 19, MCSO responded after Singh jackknifed his truck on Cheat Lake Bridge amid severe winter weather conditions.
That same day, MCSO received a missing persons report for 59 year old Pennsylvania resident Kevin C. Lataille, who had last spoken to family while he was driving home from his shift at Eat N Park in Morgantown.
On January 23, Morgantown Police obtained cellphone data that put Lataille’s last known location near the Cheat Lake Bridge. This prompted investigators to review surveillance video from the area. When police reviewed the video, they saw “a large vehicle sliding on the bridge, throwing snow into the air, and a separate passenger vehicle falling from the bridge into the lake.”
Drone footage confirmed the presence of a submerged car in Cheat Lake.
Severe winter weather delayed recovery efforts until January 26. Rescue crews recovered the submerged car and found Lataille deceased inside.
From MCSO:
“Following weeks of investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Detectives and the Accident Reconstructionist Team determined that Sukhjinder Singh’s tractor was traveling at an unsafe speed despite hazardous road conditions. Witness testimony described Singh’s driving as reckless and even criminal. Investigators also confirmed that Singh’s tractor had struck another vehicle prior to reaching the bridge and failed to stop.
Further examination of Lataille’s vehicle confirmed damage consistent with a collision involving Singh’s tractor, specifically at the driver’s side rear of Lataille’s car. This impact ultimately sent the vehicle off the bridge and into Cheat Lake.“
When he was interviewed on January 28 with assistance from a translator, “Singh admitted to driving the tractor at the time of the accident but denied striking any vehicles or driving recklessly,” MCSO said.
“Based on the findings of the investigation, law enforcement has determined that Sukhjinder Singh was operating the suspect tractor in a reckless manner, striking multiple vehicles, including Lataille’s, and driving at unsafe speeds for the road conditions. Singh’s reckless driving directly caused the fatal crash that resulted in Kevin C. Lataille’s tragic death,” police said in a news release.
If you have information, you’re asked to reach out to MCSO at 304-291-7260 or [email protected].