Hunter Hoover Obituary, Death KINGWOOD, WEST VIRGINIA — A wave of grief has swept through Preston County following the tragic death of Hunter Hoover, a beloved student at Preston County High School whose passing has left classmates, teachers, and family members heartbroken.
Hunter Hoover, 17, died on March 29 after what authorities have described as a gunshot accident, according to published reports. He was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Preston County Schools confirmed the loss in a statement, calling it a tragedy that has deeply affected the entire school community. “This loss is felt deeply across our entire school community,” the district shared, extending condolences to Hunter’s family and urging others to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Hunter, a resident of Bruceton Mills, was nearing a major milestone in his young life. He had been looking forward to graduating from Preston High School in May and had dreams of working to save money for his first car—a goal that reflected both his independence and enthusiasm for the future.
Friends and classmates remember Hunter as a kind-hearted and respectful young man who brought laughter and light into the lives of those around him. One classmate shared that he “made us laugh, even on the hardest days,” a sentiment echoed widely across the school as tributes continue to emerge.
Beyond the classroom, Hunter was known for his love of cars, music, and fashion. He enjoyed identifying vehicles on the road, spent time building virtual car collections, and found comfort in music—often connecting deeply with lyrics that resonated with his life experiences.
He is survived by his parents, Brian Hoover and Crystal Martin Showalter, along with a large extended family who now face the unimaginable pain of his loss.
As the community comes together in mourning, counseling and support services have been made available to students and staff, reflecting the profound emotional impact of the tragedy.
Hunter Hoover is being remembered as a young life full of promise, kindness, and potential—gone far too soon, but never to be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.