evidence: New data shows at least 1,275 West Virginians died of an overdose in 2020 — a 45% increase from 2019. CHARLESTON, WV (Mountain State Spotlight) - More West Virginians died of drug overdoses in 2020 than in any previous year on record, according to new data showing the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on the addiction crisis. At least 1,275 West Virginians died of an overdose in 2020 — a 45% increase from the 878 deaths in 2019, according to the preliminary data. And because the data could still be updated, the actual number of deaths is likely higher.