January 1, 1953 - Raleigh Register

"Hank Williams Found Dead in Back Seat of Car in Fayette County"

Raleigh Register. January 1, 1953

Today’s flashback takes us to 1953, when the world awoke to shocking news from Southern West Virginia: country music star Hank Williams was found dead in the back seat of his car.

"The lank guitar twanger of the resonant nasal voice and doleful mountain music was known by many as the king of the hillbillies."

On New Year's Day, 1953, Hank Williams was traveling through West Virginia en route to Canton, Ohio for a New Year's performance when his 18-year-old chauffeur, Charles Carr, discovered him unresponsive in Oak Hill.

Carr reported that Williams had been ill for some time. Williams received shots from his physician before the drive to help him sleep, and a bed was made in the back seat of his blue Cadillac so he could rest.

Williams had slept through the night. After they had traveled through Beckley, it was discovered that his body was cold and stiff. He was pronounced dead on arrival at 7a.m. at the Oak Hill Hospital; the cause of death not immediately determined.

"Williams was the composer of a number of hillbilly and popular songs, including the current hit "Jambalaya" as well "Wedding Bells," and "Cold, Cold Heart."

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Did you know? The phrase “The Last Ride” became associated with his final trip through West Virginia.