Doug Skaff Jr., a well-known businessman and former political leader in West Virginia, died in a car accident on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 48.
He had served as the leader of the Democratic minority in the West Virginia House of Delegates before later switching to the Republican Party and running for Secretary of State.
In 2021, Doug Skaff Jr. officially resigned from the West Virginia House of Delegates to focus more on his personal life, especially coaching his three sons (Andrew, Elias, and Alexander) in soccer.
Representative Riley Moore recalled how they coached their children’s soccer team together and how deeply Skaff cared for his sons.
Moore said his family will always treasure those memories and is keeping Skaff’s wife, Marisa, and their children in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Remembering Doug Skaff: A Dedicated Family Man, Community Supporter, and Youth Sports Coach
Lee Lewis shared his sorrow over the loss of Doug Skaff Jr., saying it’s difficult to fully take in the news.
He expressed deep sympathy for Doug’s parents, Mary Anne and Doug Sr., his brother Thomas, sister Teresa, and especially his wife Marisa and their three young sons, who are facing a heartbreaking loss.
Still trying to process the loss of our friend. But my heart breaks even more for his parents Mary Anne, Doug Sr, brother Thomas, sister Teresa Skaff, and most of all his loving wife Marrisa and 3 young boys who have lost so much. Life feels so unfair sometimes. Please keep them in your prayers — they need all the love and strength right now. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Lee Lewis
Memory Eternal our friend to all!
Beyond his role in public service, Doug was deeply involved in youth sports.
His wife, Marisa, fully supported his commitment to coaching, and together they prioritized creating positive experiences for their children and the teams they coached.
In 2021, Delegate Doug Skaff played a key role in recognizing the WVFC 07 Girls soccer team during a special event, alongside the City of Charleston and Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin.
He helped honor the team for an incredible season, including winning back-to-back West Virginia State Cup titles and reaching the quarterfinals of the USYS National Regionals.
Doug Skaff also took to Facebook to share a lighthearted post about selling his football game tickets.
He offered nine lower-level seats for a Saturday noon game against Kansas, noting they were in Section 103, Row 36, Seats 123–131, priced at $45 each.
He joked that he couldn’t make the game because “kids’ soccer coaching duties call,” reflecting how much he prioritized his family and coaching responsibilities over personal plans.
Between soccer and basketball games, Doug and his boys enjoyed watching a couple of Christmas parades.
Similarly, last year, in 2024, Doug Skaff shared that he had a great time over the weekend meeting thousands of kids, parents, and coaches from across West Virginia at the ECCS soccer tournament held at Shawnee Sports Complex.
He expressed pride in sponsoring and supporting the event, and also enjoyed handing out coffee from Coal River Coffee Company.
He added that his kids took home a silver medal, making the weekend even more special.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In October 2023, Doug Skaff changed his political party to Republican and entered the GOP primary race for Secretary of State in 2024.
- He aimed to succeed the previous Secretary of State, Mac Warner. Skaff finished in second place behind Kris Warner, Mac Warner’s brother, who is the current Secretary of State.
