SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV – A tragic highway accident that claimed the life of a semi-truck driver has a bittersweet ending after a viral social media effort successfully located the victim’s family to rescue his stranded dog.
Fatal Interstate Accident
The incident occurred on Interstate 64 West near South Charleston when a tractor-trailer crashed, resulting in the death of 63-year-old driver Jeffrey Simons. While Simons tragically passed away at the scene, his loyal companion—a dog named Hennessy who traveled the country with him—survived the wreck.
A Terrified Pet in Limbo
Following the crash, Hennessy was taken in by the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. Shelter staff described the dog as “terrified, confused, and badly shaken,” noting that she was too traumatized to respond to their attempts to comfort her.
Desperate to find her home, the shelter turned to Facebook, launching a massive online appeal to track down Simons’ relatives.
The Breakthrough Connection
The online community quickly rallied, uncovering a 2021 post from the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown that showed Hennessy with her “favorite human.” The old post highlighted how Hennessy worked hard every day, riding shotgun in the semi-truck with her dad.
Once the connection was made, the Iowa-based rescue group stepped in to coordinate with the driver’s family.
A Heartwarming Reunion
By the next morning, the family was located and arrangements were made for them to travel to West Virginia to bring Hennessy home.
To help soothe the grieving pet, the shelter arranged a FaceTime call with the family. Staff reported that hearing familiar voices instantly lifted Hennessy’s spirits and “made a world of difference” after her traumatic ordeal.
