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Smyth County: 81-year-old man dead in accident involving intoxicated driver

Crystal Graham
doctors and nurses in a hospital emergeny room
(© Atchariya63 – stock.adobe.com)

An 81-year-old Chilhowie man has died from injuries sustained in an accident on Sunday morning in Smyth County.

Jackie L. Blevins was treated at an area hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

A passenger in his vehicle, Martha A. Blevins, 76, suffered serious injuries.

At approximately 10:40 a.m., Blevins’ Honda CRV was making a right turn onto Whitetop Road at a stop sign on County Lane when it was struck by a Toyota Tacoma truck. The truck was headed northbound on Whitetop Road and did not have a stop sign at the intersection.

The driver of the Tacoma truck, Gary L. Pennington, 51, of Marion, suffered minor injuries. Pennington was charged with driving while intoxicated (drugs), possession of a controlled substance, failure to have a vehicle inspected and a seatbelt violation.

The crash remains under investigation, according to Virginia State Police.




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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

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