The Ridgeley community is grieving the tragic loss of Earl A. Hott, 53, who passed away Monday, December 15, 2025, following a fatal logging accident near Bloomery. Hott, a lifelong resident of Ridgeley, was beloved by family, friends, and neighbors who are now struggling to come to terms with his sudden passing.
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According to the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene after receiving reports of a logging accident. Witnesses said Hott was cutting a tree when it kicked backward, striking a nearby dead tree. A large limb from the dead tree then broke loose and struck Hott, causing immediate fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene from blunt force trauma.
The accident has left a profound impact on the tight-knit Ridgeley community. Friends and neighbors remembered Hott as a hardworking and kind-hearted man who contributed to the town and will be deeply missed. The Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to Hott’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, the community has come together to support the family and honor Earl Hott’s memory, reflecting on the significant loss felt by all who knew him.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in logging work and the fragility of life. Ridgeley residents are keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this profound loss.
