Alleged Fatal crash in Patrick County, Virginia Under Investigation

PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Virginia State police are currently looking into a fatal crash that reportedly occurred on November 2. According to VSP, the accident took place just after 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Dry Pond Highway and Hatchers Chapel Road.

In a heartbreaking sequence of events, a Ford Ranger was traveling south on Dry Pond Highway when, allegedly, it was unable to avoid colliding with a Jeep Patriot that had entered the highway from Hatchers Chapel Road. The Ranger veered off to the right side of the road, while the Jeep came to a stop in the northbound lane.

Tragically, the driver of the Jeep, identified as 81-year-old John S. Boles from Claudville, died at the scene. Reports indicate that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, which raises concerns about safety measures on the road.

Adding to the distress, a 9-year-old boy who was riding in the Jeep suffered minor injuries but, thankfully, was wearing his seatbelt. The driver of the Ford Ranger, 26-year-old Ethan J. Horton from Stuart, also sustained minor injuries while wearing his seatbelt.

This incident highlights the critical importance of road safety and the need for everyone to buckle up. As investigations continue, it serves as a reminder to all drivers and passengers about the life-saving benefits of using seatbelts. Stay tuned for updates from Virginia State Police as they delve deeper into this tragic event.