A Life Built on Grit and Community
In Amigo, on the Raleigh-Wyoming County line, David Fann wasn’t just a guy who built a house and ran businesses: he was the heart of a bustling, close-knit Appalachian community. Dana, Diana and Kaden paint a picture of a self-made man who worked hard, chased new ideas, and noticed the people around him. From the Redbird drive-in origins to building a house and a string of ventures, David embodied that Appalachian grit: never afraid to roll up his sleeves, take chances, and lend a hand.
“We had a lot of business, a lot of families. It was the hangout spot in our community.”
The family still works to keep his memory alive, sharing stories at Sunday dinners and keeping the tradition of looking out for neighbors front and center.
The Night That Changed Everything
“It was not suicide, it was a homicide.”
On June 22, 2016, the Fann family’s world turned upside down. After a routine morning, the news hit: David Fann had been found dead in Raleigh County, with his blue Toyota Tacoma involved and his wallet missing—an ominous detail that raised questions about motive and opportunity. The discovery, made at Lake Stevens along a rugged overlook trail, unfolded against the backdrop of a devastating June flood. The investigators emphasized the need for answers in a case that was complicated by weather, the terrain, and the fact that someone may have known the area well enough to hide what happened. The family describes the emotional whirlwind of learning he was gone, the disbelief that followed, and the immediate, steady demand for justice.
“He would never walk that trail by himself. He would never have walked it… If it wasn’t doing with making money, he wouldn’t come to Beckley.”
David’s family offers a window into the complexities of the case: the truck, the storm, the questions about whether he was taken there or went there by choice, and the crushing realization that justice isn’t always served quickly. They also highlight the dedication of local investigators, while acknowledging how gaps in cold-case resources can make progress feel slow.
Memorials, Hope, and Keeping the Conversation Alive
Nine years later, the Fann family continues to push for answers—and for the protection of memories. They’ve kept David’s truck in the driveway, preserved his memory with community-driven initiatives, and leaned on each other for strength. The siblings speak openly about the impact of the crime on their daily lives: the “box on the shelf” approach to processing grief, the heightened sense of vigilance, and the resolve to find the truth for their family and their community. It’s a story of resilience—wanting to move forward without forgetting the man who did so much for others, and hoping that someone with information will step forward to help close the case.
“There is somebody else out there… who knows what happened that day… I know there’s somebody out there who knows the truth.”
The family also emphasizes the importance of avoiding misinformation and channeling tips through proper channels like Crimestoppers, offering a reminder that a simple tip could spark big breakthroughs. Their message to the public is clear: nurture the memory of David Fann, support his family, and help bring the killer to justice.
If you want the full, in-the-moment experience: the emotions, the detail, and the faces behind the story, watch the original video. It’s a powerful reminder that behind every case file there’s a real family still chasing answers, and a community that hasn’t forgotten David Fann. Long live Appalachia. Rest in peace, David Fann.
