Editors note: the population of Kanawha County is over 173,000. The population of Charleston is over 46,000. 

The kind of conversation I wish never had to happen. But I’m deeply honored to have sat across from James Harper’s family—his father, Chris Waddell, and his wife, Gabrielle Harper—and heard their hearts.

James was killed by a truck driver in April 2025 in West Virginia. You might’ve seen the headline. You might’ve recognized his face. But for his family, that pain didn’t stop when the news cycle moved on. They’ve been living the nightmare every day since.

This episode isn’t just about the tragedy. It’s about what comes next—what justice should look like, what safety reforms must be made, and how the memory of James Dean Harper will not be forgotten.

Chris and Gabrielle are fighting for change in West Virginia: stronger laws, better DOH safety protocols, mandatory death/injury notification reform, and true accountability for those responsible.

This conversation is raw. It’s real. It’s necessary. Because James deserved better. And so does every road worker risking their life to keep our highways safe.

Let’s fight for accountability. Let’s remember James.

Justice for James Harper isn’t just a hashtag—it’s a movement his family is leading. Let’s help them. #JusticeForJamesHarper

#Justice4James, #JamesDeanHarper, #Creepalachia, #RoadWorkerSafety, #WVDOH, #HighwaySafety, #AppalachianStories, #TragicLoss, #WVStrong, #CoalfieldsToCapitol, #InfrastructureAccountability, #AppalachianFamilies, #NeverForgetJames

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Other Interviews - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eNIjb64yLAS3Z2N9YRDUGMz&si=pQEw9jDJAP_Z4_95

True Crime - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eNql44CayXCCBsW-6zIeWsA&si=3teIk_jc4MrmsUUe

Solo Stories - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eOSFgB6XFmefueia2ZvRc4G&si=1wL1ft-UVhM_PiAN

Mysteries - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8eN0mOcv-OBjI1MqeQgoMi9W&si=wA7zLRkT5MiUQIlC

Hauntings - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxM_meUps8ePTwq7hLiYjlzSs-UqWtrfp&si=ddRW_lx1pXQrxLUC

Creepalachia was started and will remain as a show diving into the dark, strange, unknown, tragic, and heroic stories of J.D. 's homeland. These hills have stories. LONG LIVE APPALACHIA!

Disclaimer:
The stories, views, and opinions shared by guests on Creepalachia are solely those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or the show. Creepalachia does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of guest statements and is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to their content. All discussions are presented for storytelling, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Viewers are encouraged to research and form their own conclusions.

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