A U.S. Marine, on his way home on leave from basic training, was killed in a traffic accident in West Virginia.

Private First Class Daniel G. Chess, 23, formerly of Crafton, was struck by another motorist after he lost control of his sport utility vehicle early Saturday on Interstate 79 in Lewis County, about 60 miles south of Morgantown.

Jan. 18, 1983 - July 29, 2006

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

A U.S. Marine, on his way home on leave from basic training, was killed in a traffic accident in West Virginia.

Private First Class Daniel G. Chess, 23, formerly of Crafton, was struck by another motorist after he lost control of his sport utility vehicle early Saturday on Interstate 79 in Lewis County, about 60 miles south of Morgantown.

Pfc. Chess was rounding a bend on an uphill grade in the northbound lanes at about 2:45 a.m. when his Mercury Mountaineer skidded and rolled onto its side. He was able to get out of the vehicle, which came to rest in the middle of the roadway.

As he did so, a vehicle driven by James Allen, 27, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., struck him while trying to avoid colliding with Pfc. Chess' vehicle.

"When I saw an overturned vehicle in the middle of I-79, I hit my brakes and swerved to miss the accident when the driver of the vehicle walked out," Mr. Allen wrote in a statement for investigators. "I then swerved to miss him, but believe he caught the mirror on my vehicle."

Mr. Allen was not injured, a spokesman for the Lewis County sheriff said.

Pfc. Chess was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, where he was pronounced dead.

Pfc. Chess was in the process of making changes in his military career. Before enlisting in the Marine Corps, he served in the Navy, a family friend said.

He also was a member of the Munhall Volunteer Fire Department.

Pfc. Chess is survived by his wife, Michelle; his parents, Robert and Jannette Chess; a brother, Robert Chess Jr.; three sisters, Amber and Brandy Chess and Jill Paxton; and his maternal grandfather, Eugene Ballinger.

Family and friends are welcome for a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 2262 Rochester Road, Franklin Park.

Arrangements are by Hershberger-Stover Funeral Home in Crafton. Burial will be private.

His family suggested that memorial contributions in his name be made to the fire department at 3401 Main St., Munhall 15120.