Home Virginia State Police: Two dead in head-on collision in Halifax County
Virginia

Virginia State Police: Two dead in head-on collision in Halifax County

Crystal Graham
halifax county virginia state police file photo accident interstate
File photo courtesy Virginia State Police

Two people are dead after a head-on collision on Dec. 26 in Halifax County, according to a report from the Virginia State Police.

Both drivers, Melvyn Malik Crutchfield, 28, of Lynchburg, and Olin Carson Riddle Jr., 82, of Nathalie, died at the scene.

The crash occurred just before 1:30 p.m. on Cody Road.

A Nissan Pathfinder, driven by Crutchfield, crossed the center line and struck a Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by Riddle, head on.

Riddle was wearing a seat belt; Crutchfield was not, according to police.

Riddle was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Republican Grove and loved auto racing and the Virginia Tech Hokies, according to his obituary.

No obituary was found online for Crutchfield.

Investigators say there is no indication that alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash.

The incident remains under investigation.

Support AFP




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]

Latest News

terry waters fishburne
Etc.

Waynesboro: Hall of Fame wrestling coach Terry Waters announces retirement

Tom Dulaney Slonaker
Etc.

Greene County: Tom Dulaney Slonaker has had several SuperFun careers

Long-time Ruckersville resident Tom Dulaney Slonaker has had a plethora of successful careers, including sports broadcaster, financial engineer, stockbroker, and as an insurance agent he had an office in Charlottesville.

healthcare
U.S. & World

Making the case for universal health care: The message is the message

Republicans use framing to deride universal health care when they use the terms “free health care” and “socialized medicine.” UHC is neither free nor socialized medicine, but the terms stick.

flock License plate reader police
U.S. & World

While the political circus distracts us, Flock builds the Digital Police State

vdot road
Local

Local road construction, maintenance schedule update: July 20-24

waynesboro map
Local

Waynesboro: Is the city review of the Mimosa Farm permit request just a formality?

vape shop
Virginia

New state law aims to crack down on liquid tobacco, vape sales in Virginia