New details released on crash that killed Virginia Tech graduate student

State Police released new details this morning on a fatal crash in Blacksburg Wednesday that killed a Virginia Tech graduate student.

Spencer Davis Woodson Forsling, 22, of Blacksburg, was struck by a Town of Blacksburg police vehicle as an officer was responding to an emergency call at 2:27 a.m. He died at the scene.

Forsling was a graduate student in electrical engineering in the College of Engineering with his focus on electromagnetics, a spokesperson from Virginia Tech told AFP. He came to Virginia Tech in the fall of 2021 and received dual bachelor’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering in the spring.

According to VSP, the investigation found that the police vehicle had emergency lights and signs activated as the officer travelled on North Main Street, next to campus. The officer was responding to a structure fire call.

The traffic light was also green when the officer went through the intersection with Roanoke Street where Forsling was struck, according to VSP.

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Virginia State Police is handling the investigation at the request of Town of Blacksburg Police Chief John Clair.

When the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the Montgomery County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for review.