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State/U.S. News

Grottoes man among two dead in crash on Route 340 in Clarke County

Chris Graham
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Virginia State Police Senior Trooper R. Riggs is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash in Clarke County. The crash occurred on Monday at 12:12 p.m. along the 15300 block of Route 340.

A 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling east on a private drive when its brakes failed, which caused the Jeep to enter Route 340 and collide with a southbound 2001 Mack truck.

The impact caused both vehicles to run off the roadway and overturn. The Mack truck then caught fire.

The driver of the Jeep, Shea E. Hawkins, 31, of Winchester, died at the scene of the crash as a result of her injuries.  She was wearing a seatbelt.

The driver of the Mack truck, Lewis E. Thompson, 66, of Grottoes, died at the scene of the crash as a result of his injuries. He was wearing a seatbelt.

The Mack truck was hauling cement.

The crash remains under investigation.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].