Fatal Crashes Under Investigation Across Virginia

AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police are looking into a deadly single-vehicle crash that took place Thursday at around 3:54 p.m. on East Side Highway.

The incident involved a 2011 Ford Escape SUV, which veered off the left side of the road near Stull Run Lane, struck a ditch, and hit an embankment. The driver, 33-year-old Jaimee Breeden of Crimora, was seriously injured and later died at a local hospital. Breeden was reportedly pregnant, and both she and her unborn child died from their injuries.

Breeden’s family is currently raising funds to cover funeral and burial costs as they navigate this difficult time. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, according to Virginia State Police.

In a separate incident, Virginia State Police are also investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Buckingham County. The crash happened at 8:35 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, at the intersection of Francisco Road and Concord Mountain Road.

A 1999 Acura RL was driving westbound on Francisco Road when it crossed the center line, left the road, and collided with some trees. A 17-year-old front seat passenger was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. A second 17-year-old passenger in the backseat was also ejected and sustained major injuries. Neither of the passengers nor the 20-year-old driver, Jaylin M. Gough from Farmville, was wearing seatbelts.

Charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, in Greene County, community members are raising concerns over the closure of the Ruckersville Volunteer Fire Company. Residents are calling for greater transparency and a concrete plan to ensure emergency services remain reliable amid the suspension of the fire station.

Stephen Fitch, spokesperson for the Greene County Republican Committee, emphasizes the need for action, stating, “We need to remove personal discretions, disagreements, and we need to act in good faith for public safety.” The decision to suspend the volunteer fire station has raised alarms, as response times are expected to increase.

Fitch addressed the Greene County Board of Supervisors on June 10, urging them to explore options for restoring fire services without completely shutting down the department. He also mentioned discussions with the Greene County Democratic Committee regarding their approach moving forward.

In Knoxville, Tenn., a tragic incident at an assisted living facility led to the death of a 96-year-old patient. Walter D. Humphrey was struck by a minivan driven by 24-year-old Eleasah Williams, who reportedly had suicidal intentions before crashing into Shannondale of Knoxville early Saturday morning.

Williams has since been charged with vehicular homicide, with further investigation into the events leading up to the crash still ongoing.

Lastly, in Charlottesville, Virginia, University of Virginia President Jim Ryan presented a donation of nearly $80,000 for Alzheimer’s research on Friday. The funds were raised through contributions from over 12,000 donors during Ryan’s preparation for the Boston Marathon.

Mitchell Rosner, Interim Executive Vice President at UVA Health, stated that the donation would fund critical student research projects aimed at combating Alzheimer’s disease. Ryan was unavailable for comments during the presentation.