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Crash reports for Crewe, VA
Location:
US Route 460, Crewe, VA 23930, USA
Geometry:
Vehicle overtook from rear
Injury:
Fatal
Description:
35-year-old
pronounced dead at scene on 460 A National Guard recruiter from Abingdon in southwest Virginia has been charged with Reckless Driving in a fatal crash Sunday that killed a bicyclist on U. S. 460 near Blackstone. Sunday¹s accident occurred shortly after 3:00 p.m. in the westbound lane of U. S. 460 near Southside Livestock Market, about 1/4 mile east of State Rt. 614. According to State Trooper Walter Craig, Jr., 26-year-old Sgt. Aaron T. Stapleton was driving west (toward Crewe) in a 2007 Chevrolet Uplander mini-van, with Government-issed tags. Craig said Sgt. Stapleton was on his way home after having spent time at Fort Pickett. Trooper Craig said that the bicyclist, age 35, of Amelia, was also headed west--wearing a helmet and orange shirt and pedaling on the far right portion of the highway, in accordance with the law. Craig said that bicyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as vehicles and also are to be afforded the same courtesies. Craig at deadline still had not been able to notify the victim¹s next of kin, so he declined to release the victim¹s name. Sgt. Stapleton told Trooper Craig that he attempted to move to the left to avoid striking the bicyclist. ³The driver said he saw him, but that he ran up quicker on the cyclist than he thought he would, and when he tried to get over, it was too late.² The mini-van¹s front passenger side made impact with the victim, who was thrust into the passenger side windshield before being thrown more than 100 feet into the air. The driver called 911, as did another motorist, Guy Barnard, who along with his son Arett came upon the accident¹s aftermath. Blackstone Volunteer Fire Department and Nottoway Emergency Squad responded. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. Trooper Craig said there is no evidence to suggest that Sgt. Stapleton was speeding or using a cell phone at the time of the crash, and there are no indications that alcohol or drugs were involved. Trooper Craig said that as standard procedure, evidence will be presented to the Nottoway County Commonwealth¹s Attorney to determine if other charges will be filed. Trooper Craig said the driver was ³completely cooperative at the scene² and provided all necessary information. Full report |
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