Driver involved in hit-and-run crash that killed three JMU students faces court for final pretrial hearing

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Campbell Fortune, the driver of the crash that killed three James Madison Students (JMU) students, appeared in Hardee County, West Virginia Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Families gathered for final pretrial hearing on three counts of manslaughter stemming from incident at February 2, 2023. The purpose of this hearing was to consider a motion to dismiss the charges. However, the judge did not make an immediate ruling, saying more time was needed to consider the arguments presented by both the defense and the prosecution. Assistant Hardy County District Attorney Orrin Stagger said a judge is expected to rule on the motion in the next day or two and notify attorneys.

If the judge rules in favor of the prosecution, no additional preliminary hearings will be held and the trial will begin as scheduled on Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. in Hardee County Circuit Court.

In addition to the three counts of negligent homicide against Fortune, he also faces counts of reckless driving, driving without proof of insurance, speeding and possession of alcohol by a minor under 21.

According to the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, on February 2, 2023, the crash occurred on West Virginia Route 259 near the West Virginia/Virginia line, and JMU students, John “Luke” Ferguson, Nicholas Troutman and Joshua Mardis were pronounced dead at the scene.

Fortuna and the fifth passenger were rescued from the scene in serious condition.

The sheriff’s office said deputies learned the vehicle was traveling southbound on 259 when it left the roadway and struck a tree. They said there were no skid marks on the roadway that would indicate any type of evasion, and no signs of hitting an animal.

WHSV will continue to update this story.