Family remembers teenager who died in accident

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A community has come together to remember the life of a Huntington teenager who was struck and killed in a car accident last October.

Jacob Spurlock, who was 16, was a sophomore at Huntington High School.

“He had a life to live. “We never saw him graduate or go to prom,” said Amie Spurlock, Jacob’s sister.

Police say Samuel McCoy, of Huntington, drove into the victim's car and led law enforcement in the pursuit. Officials said McCoy ran a red light at the intersection in October 2023.

Family mourns teenager who died in accident; Suspect charged

The trial of McCoy, who is accused of killing Spurlock, is still ongoing.

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil Wednesday at the intersection of 20th Street and 8th Avenue, where a monument stands in Jacob's honor.

“It was hard. I was here a year ago and they dragged Jacob out of the car and into the ambulance,” Spurlock said.

Jacob spoke his last words to his sister before later dying.

“He asked me to go with him,” she said. “I couldn’t get to the ambulance. “The paramedics wouldn’t allow me to go with him.”

Jacob's family said his heart was unique.

“He never knew a stranger. He loved people,” Spurlock said.

The Spurlock family hopes justice will be served in the courtroom.

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